Genre-defying artists have rarely been acknowledged in their own time. It is a known fact that one generation's avant-garde is the next generation's mainstream. But New York is the city where the avant-garde scene is the mainstream. OK, I wouldn’t know that for sure, I’m not a New Yorker, I’m not even American, but that's the way I feel about it. Whenever I want to listen to something truly original and not eligible to style clusters, I take a peek at the New York music scene and somehow I always find something unexpected and fresh. I remember how I got to find John Zorn and his tremendously big discography, or Living Colour years earlier, not to mention that legends such as Talking Heads or The Velvet Underground came from the Big Apple. Searching the scene one day got me to this experimental funky-grooving avant-rock band with hip-hop and reggae influences. Of course, I just made that up myself, but if you have a better definition for the music of Screaming Headless Torsos let me know.
They are a band formed by David "Fuze" Fiuczynski, one of the most prolific guitarists in modern days. He has appeared on over a hundred albums as a session player, guest, member or as a leader of a band and toured extensively throughout the years. But this is his own project, where he is the principle songwriter and leader of the group. Screaming Headless Torsos were formed in 1989 and released their debut eponymous album in 1995. What I instantly noticed and liked about this record (and the band in general) was the melodic phrasing and soulful voice of Dean Bowman. In addition there is the Zappa-like humour and almost over-acting tone, which is actually quite funny and appealing. The first association that came to my mind when I heard this material was that it sounded like Lenny Kravitz jamming with Vernon Reid, both on some kind of happy pills.The rhythm section plays impeccably, consisting of bassist Fima Ephron, percussionist Daniel Sadownick and drummer Jojo Mayer. I mean come on, it’s Jojo, the walking drum n bass sampler. The fact that his technique is superb is secondary to the brilliant creativeness in his approach to drumming and his perfect sensibility for funk grooves. All at all, a brilliant avant-funk (if I may call it so) package coming from New York, reflecting the city’s spirit and crave for fresh artistic expression.
