The band name and EP title say it all. Brown Whörnet is not interested in conventional music--or conventional anything. The three songs here sound like Zappa playing Primus (anachronism, I know, but it only works that way), except heavier and weirder.

Brown Whörnet Not Called "Big Old Cup with Ice in It" EP (self-released)

Dense and laid back, loose and throttling, the three songs here rumble along, making sense every once in a while. There's a whale load of lovely noise accompanying some of the most engaging tangents I've heard in ages. The songs don't pull themselves together. I don't think that's the point. Brown Whörnet simply throws a bunch of cool sounds against the wall and sees what blisters.

The overall effect is one of breathless discovery. This one is for those with restless minds and a penchant for the bizarre. Obviously, Ween fans are welcome to the party as well, as is anyone who digs whackadoodle.

I don't sense greatness. I don't think Brown Whörnet is the future of anything. In fact, the band has been around for a couple decades. By any objective standard, this sucker is a total mess. It's such a wreck that it doesn't even qualify as deconstruction. But I must admit I have a soft spot for reckless prog stoner jazz with a sardonic chaser. Play this and scare the shit out of your kids.

Jon Worley