siLLy puPPy CHROME HOOF is a London based outfit that excels at eccentricity. They consider themselves an experimental chamber rock orchestra. They are also known for their outrageous live shows where all of the many members dress in wild outfits and perform in strange avant-garde ways. I would love to see them! The story is that the founders and brothers Leo and Milo Snee were into totally different styles of music ranging from metal to electronic. When they decided to play together they couldn't decide which direction to go... so they went every which way at once! This is some unique sounding stuff indeed. Never before have I heard such a perfect fusion of metal, electronica, funk, swing jazz and chamber music. It is flawless. This is progressive music you can dance to. While there is a plethora of musical influences on board i would have to cite the specific song “Reoccuring Dreams” from Husker Du’s “Zen Arcade” album as the strongest influence for that specific track has a similar musical approach that includes the horn section that adds a melodic drive over the pummeling rhythms and song structure.

PRE-EMPTIVE FALSE RAPTURE is their second album but the one that got them noticed. I have to say that this little sucka has really gotten under my skin. It keeps me coming back for more and more and more. I loved it upon first listen but now after a gazillion listens it just gets better. I'm constantly hearing it in new ways. The music takes major liberties in its development but everything stays within a fairly structured and accessible frame. The complexities are in the background and continue to reward time and time again. Each song focuses on a different genre of music but usually includes a bit from many. On some tracks there are multiple parts. You may get a funky metal beginning followed by a swing jazz break of some sort evolving into something more elaborate. Recently this album has percolated up to a 5 star rating for me. The sheer innovation is astounding. It is catchy and progressive at the same time.  I could really see Cardiacs fans going for this one. It has that same totally whacked out approach to music but keeps it approachable at the same time.