Felonious Bosch, self-titled EP (Omnium, 2004)
Back in 1979-80 when Jethro Tull was playing their version of "Pass Time With Good Company", written by none other than King Henry VIII, keyboardist David Palmer would introduce the song by saying, "Imagine if King Henry VIII had had a rock & roll band." These same sentiments apply to Felonious Bosch. Even if they didn't hail from Minneapolis, Minnesota, and have Drew Miller on bass and dulcimer, they would likely still be signed to Omnium Recordings which is based out of Minneapolis. Omnium is home to the likes of Boiled in Lead (which Miller co-founded) and Reptile Palace Orchestra, two bands that drag the traditional kicking and screaming into today. Felonious Bosch, however, tend to look back a bit further than their stablemates. The band describes their music as being "for the New Dark Ages" and this label proves quite apt.
The six-song EP Felonious Bosch provides a snapshot of the band in embryo. The line-up at the time of recording was RenŽée Bracchi on trap kit and percussion, Ric Lee on fiddle, Drew Miller on bass and dulcimer, and Scott "Nemo" Nieman playing bouzouki and bass as well. They are augmented by a trio of friends who contribute flute, cello, and voice. Notably, singer Katy Thomasberg would eventually become a full-time member.
The traditional Romanian tune "Maramaramaros" begins the short set with a bang. Busy drums and bass set the pace for the flute and fiddle to battle it out. A fuzzy-sounding bouzouki helps give the song a bit of muscle without straying too far into rock territory. The bouziuki steps to the fore with a cascading lead in "Straight to Hell." It isn't until Thomasberg's soulful voice chimes in that the listener realizes that this is an original composition. Another original, "Ode to Billy Christ," begins slow and sultry, but over the course of six-plus minutes, it develops its Arabesque feel and builds to a climax. On the other hand, "Kavaldulka" is a pure dance romp from Spain with a bouncing bass and manic fiddle sure to get feet moving.
Felonious Bosch has created quite a tease here. While each song harkens back to a different place in a different time, they are all instantly catchy and stick with you long after the CD leaves the tray. This is but a taste of things to come. The band is currently recording its first full-length album and you can keep up with them at their MySpace page.
