San Francisco has long been known as a major contributor to indy freak outs, and Battlehooch more than does the city proud. Incredible! Really amazing. "Piecechow", the debut album from Battlehooch, is a work of art, with blasting power-pop saxophones, and heavenly vocal harmonies. I'm reminded of Beefheart, Shock Headed Peter, and a slew of other bands that have blown my mind. Did someone slip me acid? I'm listening to this, and I get the impression that someone might have.

"Piecechow" opens with what sounds like a live street recording. Chattering people, the noise of a bustling metropolitan street in the background. Then, slam, right into "The Special Place". Battlehooch believe in street performing as a means of reaching their audience in a more direct and personal fashion. The opening seems to emphasize the importance the band places on this performance style.

From "The Special Place" on, "Piecechow" seems to be more studio oriented. There's a cohesion between tracks, as they seamlessly blend into each other. A couple of instrumentals, like "Chuur", help to keep the fluidity of this meshing. In the dual track "Fishmilkery" and "Fishmilk" the precision of track blending is at it's finest.

"Looks You Can't See" closes the album off with a bombastic sound flourish. The feeling is wistful, a vibe of big band and classic brit pop. In the last minute of the track the guitar fuzz picks up, and carries us to the final five part vocal harmonies.

Ranging from psychedelic freak outs to R&B, 60's pop to heavy guitar rock, "Piecechow" is about as experimental as the Big Bang. Exploratory in a way that is truly exciting and refreshing. Never bland, always energetic. Buy "Piecechow"!