UMPHREY’S McGEE — Safety In Numbers

UMPHREY’S McGEE

Safety In Numbers (2006)

Label: InsudeOut / Soyuz
★★★ 6/10
By Soulside

Track Listing

  1. Believe The Lie
  2. Rocker
  3. Liquid
  4. Words
  5. Nemo
  6. Women Wine and Song
  7. Intentions Clear
  8. End of the Road
  9. Passing
  10. Ocean Billy
  11. The Weight Around

I know hundreds of band names from all over the world, but having scanned through my entire library, I found absolutely no trace of this group from the land of hamburgers.

A cursory listen didn't change the situation and even provoked a certain aversion. But after forcing myself to give the disc another spin, I found its content quite pleasant and interesting. Although Safety In Numbers has absolutely nothing to do with metal, it may appeal to many fans of diverse, mellow instrumental music. The material presented on this disc has vague yet very pleasant contours, rooted primarily in influences of blues, funk, and post-progressive rock.

Undemanding, no-strings-attached music packed with instrumental material, featuring original arrangements and beautiful melodies.

The release, to be honest, is an acquired taste and will most likely ensnare a negligibly small number of metalheads as such, but sometimes the sounds of Safety In Numbers offer a welcome respite from extreme musical violence.