Capricorns - River, Bear Your Bones

River, Bear Your Bones is a concept album of a different sort. Since Capricorns are an instrumental band, obviously there aren't any lyrics to tell a story or weave a tale. Instead, the music is the concept, all inspired by the Thames River in the band's hometown of London.

In the past Capricorns have had periodic guest vocalists, but this time they let the music stand on its own. The songs on River, Bear Your Bones are heavy and sludgy with thick, hazy riffs.

When you don't have vocals, it's necessary to make frequent changes in tempo and intensity to keep the listener engaged, and Capricorns delivers. The arrangements are interesting, and repetition is kept to a minimum.

In addition to the intense sludge, there are mellower sections that give a respite and sometimes wander into progressive territory. It's a very well balanced and compelling CD.

River, Bear Your Bones ends with an 11 minute demo quality rehearsal room jam called "Drinking Water From The Skull Of A Hanged Man." The title is the most interesting part of the song. The track is about five minutes too long, and it's the only time that Capricorns drift off into self-indulgence.

(released September 30, 2008 on Rise Above Records)