In some genres, even the most mediocre albums promise a good time. B-grade Pop is still enjoyable, just as amateurish Ambient is beautiful. Contrastingly, Prog Rock is a matter of extremes. A Prog Rock LP is either self-indulgent masturbation via instruments navel gazing or one of the best records of the year – and nothing in between. Nate Mercerau seems to subscribe to this credo as well. His recent album, »Fantastic Thoughts« promises to be overflowing with ideas, »dense layered arrangements and abrupt form-changes« as well as radical imaginaries. And this it delivers. If I wanted to name all the instruments listed in the promo blurb, I’d already have exceeded my character limit.
The opener, »There Is Something Here…«, alone combines ambient textures, rock riffs, jazzy freak-outs and noise arpeggios. The mix is unusual, almost metallic, bringing unusual sonic qualities to the fore. If you like Naked City, you’ll love some of the songs here. I really enjoy listening to »Fantastic Thoughs« – just not in one sitting. Its extreme variations quickly feel monotonous. After 30 minutes it tends to lose me entirely. The maximalism of »Fantastic Thoughts«is its crux: it cannot carry the weight of its own ambition. Does this make for a failed album? Perhaps. But that is why it’s worth giving a spin. »Fantastic Thoughts« refuses to be mediocre and is willing to pay the price. And I want more of that!
