Pat Mastelotto
Recidivate
7d Media
By Ellen Eldridge
Pat Mastelotto, the internationally-renowned drummer whose pioneering work with King Crimson, Mr. Mister and XTC has cemented him as one of experimental music and pop/prog-rock’s most talented percussionists, releasesd Recidivate, a collection of outtakes, rarities and highlights from the past 20 years of his career on March 20 via Trey Gunn’s 7d Media. The theme to the title insinuates Mastelotto’s return to his pattern of previous behaviors with this release showcasing his skills and diverse talents.
This first-time release under his own name showcases Mastelotto’s ability in collaboration with Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree, Robert Fripp of King Crimson, Stick Men (Mastelotto’s ongoing touring trio with Tony Levin), Terry Bozzio (Missing Persons), Naked Truth (featuring avant-garde jazz musicians Roy Powell and Cuong Vu) and of course tracks from TU (also Ktu, Tuner, Tunisia and MPTU), Mastelotto’s long running partnership with King Crimson band mate Trey Gunn.
Recidivate is the kind of release that forces the listener to think; it compels him to seek out the source of sound and apply its influence to the experience. The two-disc package is split into one disc for “traps” in reference to acoustic drum kits and one disc of “buttons” in reference to electronic drumming and programming. The combination of percussive elements organically shows the raw talent of Mastelotto through Latin-influenced styles all the way to jazz and the drum-and-bass feel of rock.
These songs can overwhelm when a fan tries to break down criticisms by song. Instead of taking apart the two discs and analyzing specific songs, Recidivate should be enjoyed as a whole. A coffee-house jazz vibe permeates through chaotic rhythms that could facilitate a David Lynch soundtrack. Any fan of Mastelotto’s should enjoy getting lost in Recidivate.
