Kneebody The Line

In its sputtering rhythms and swirling melodies, Kneebody is a freely roaming polyglot touching on Live–Evil-era Miles Davis, Rudder (particularly the contemporary art-funk band’s drummer, Keith Carlock), the British prog band Gentle Giant, various aggregates of hip-hop, and jam-band hypnosis. This weird sound is of nowhere and everywhere. Drummer Nate Wood seems to have grown similar legs and arms to Carlock’s, from itchy snare ruffs and a time-stretching sprawl to hesitant, jarring rhythms (“Trite,” “Still Play”) and a booming bass drum tone (“Sleeveless”). But Wood is entirely his own drummer on the cacophonous title track and on the carnival-esque “Work Hard, Play Hard, Towel Hard,” where his set slamming and speedy note spray are simply astonishing. (Concord)

Ken Micallef