Secret Chiefs 3: BeatCrave Fav

I’m about to get a little pretentious here. Oh, who am I kidding? I’m about to get very pretentious here! The Secret Chiefs 3 came from the ashes of Mr. Bungle (remember Mr. Bungle? You should.), way back in the mid-nineties.  The ex-Bungle members: Trey Spruance, former guitarist, drummer Danny Heifetz, and Trevor Dunn on bass, joined to make this new project.

If you’re looking for technical precision, despite complicated and elaborate composition, look no further! That being said, the Secret Chiefs sound is not for everyone; it’s challenging at times. For best results, I recommend going through their history. They’ve dabbled in surf music, rock, noise, death metal, and Persian folk. Their compositions often cycle through several styles or moods in an avant-garde display of artistry.

The band has taken great measures to make sure that their fans can get an accurate interpretation of their often vocal-free songs, without the band straight up telling them. SC3′s music, album artwork, liner notes, and lyrics express a theological philosophy influenced by various political and religious writers. More on the Secret Chiefs 3 philosophy and influences can be found in the Web of Mimicry Museum Without Walls. Good luck!

If that gets too heavy for you (as it definitely does for me), just sit back and listen. My favorite album is Book of Horizons and Xaphan: Book of Angels Volume 9 (composed by John Zorn) is a close second. They opened and toured for select dates with Les Claypool’s Oddity Faire.

• Pick of the Day: Secret Chiefs 3
• Type: Avant-garde
• Band Members: Their lineup has been less than consistent, they don’t like showing their faces, and they often feature new members on tour, but here’s the general idea: Trey Spruance (saz), Eyvind Kang (violin), Shahzad Ismaily, Ches Smith (percussion), Timb Harris (mandolin), Peijman Kouretchian (drums), Rich Doucette, Jai Young Kim, and Anonymous 13.
• Label: Web of Mimicry
  
• Albums: First Grand Constitution and Bylaws, Second Grand Constitution and Bylaws: Hurqalya, Eyes of Flesh, Eyes of Flame, Book M, Book of Horizons, Path of Most Resistance, Xaphan: Book of Angels Volume 9 (buy them at the label’s website!)
• Video:

Renunciation:

Medival:

The 4:

Fast:

• Upcoming Tour Dates: Nothing past March has been added to either the myspace or the label’s website. Check back for new dates!