DOLPHIN/SHARK

SIDETRACKED

(Side Projects, Solo Albums, and Other Detours)

Nervous Cop - “Colorchains of Outer Space”

We could probably convert this column into a Zach-Hill-side-projects-only feature called SideZached, and still have enough material to write about weekly from now until the apocalypse. The tentacle-armed drummer¹ currently has eighteen related acts listed under “Associated Acts” on his Wikipedia page, and he’s probably joined at least one new band since you started reading this article.

One band that is strangely omitted from that list (but mentioned in the first paragraph of the article) is Nervous Cop, a group comprised of Hill on drums, Deerhoof’s Greg Saunier on drums, Joanna Newsom on harp, and John Dieterich, also of Deerhoof, adding in electronic squiggles here and there. If that sounds like the strangest band you’ve ever heard of, you’re not alone. It’s not like Drummer/Drummer/Harpist/Electronics Dude is the classic four-man-band set up. Needless to say, the band’s sole, eponymous album is a bit of an odd listen.

Now, you’re probably wondering why I chose to frame this article with Zach Hill² rather than Joanna, who’s gone on to become the most famous member of the group through her solo work. That’s because he’s clearly the dominant creative line in the band, and his other work is the closest approximation of the band’s sound. Honestly, fans of Joanna’s solo work will be unlikely to find much to enjoy here.

The album is a cacaphonous whirlwind of manic drums, occasional harp flourishes, and electronics that sound like a computer’s death rattle. Or, to put it simply, it’s weird. The track above, “Colorchains of Outer Space” is a pretty good summary of the album as a whole. As the harp parts from the previous track (album standout “Frank vs Frank”) fade away, they give way to a mad stampede of drums and electronics. The song’s a jarring listen, but it’s par for the course on this album.

In short, fans of Zach Hill and mad percussion in general will probably enjoy this record. Most other people will say it just sounds like a drum kit being thrown down the stairs, with occasional harp interludes.

-TWG

1. Music bloggers are legally required to refer to Zach Hill as “tentacle-armed” at least one (1) time in any article concerning him.

2. It sounds weird to refer to him as “Zach” or “Hill” or “God-HILL-a” or any other name. His name is “Zach Hill” and must be rendered as such.