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Little Bushman: Pendulum

‘Pendulum’ is a commentary on social, economic and environmental ills. Yes it’s political, but I gather the intention was more to give the listener room for inner navel gazing rather than to preach. It does get a little concepty at times (as with twin tracks War and Peace). As a fan of the rock element to Trinity Roots’ live shows, this new Warren Maxwell project appeals, but album two is not as rock-based as I had hoped it would be. Little Bushman continue to explore the wider jazz/blues pathways, though they have trimmed the journey down from their last road trip by taking the weight out of the jams - more wisely saving them for their live renditions. First highlight is Corrupt Demeanour - a chant built around a piano riff and an odd time signature. The middle section gives nods to The Doors (witness the keys sound of The Seed) and Hendrix, with a ‘60s/’70s inspired psychedelic love groove in effect on Holy Ground. ‘Pendulum’ ends with possibly the best track in the Ben Harper-like reflective strum of Peaceful Man. Little Bushman have more instruments on this album than you’d see in your local MusicWorks store, and for drummers there is a treat in the expressive percussion of Rick Cranson. Recorded at Erskine College and mixed at The Surgery with Lee Prebble pitching in.

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