If I could run any label in the world, Ipecac would probably end up in my top five. I can trust Ipecac to consistently release good, weird, and challenging music. I really respect those labels who say to hell with the world and just release whoever they feel need a stage for their unique, and often unmarketable voice. However, if I were in charge of Ipecac, I would have trouble releasing an album like "Black Oni." It's a decent enough album. Guapo performed it solidly, and has some really nice parts. Unfortunately, it is not up to Ipecac standard.
Guapo's problem is that they have good ideas, for instance the first minute of III, but either push the idea far too long and overkill in a Philip Glass way or hide the cool tidbit nine minutes into the track. Long songs are a common curse for a band like Guapo who compose instrumental rock, instead of write rock songs. None of the five tracks on the cd are titled, but are presented like classical movements.
III is actually the best track on the album. It starts off as a simple repetition (ala Glass) before fragmenting and phasing (think Steve Reich) then later evolving into a jam reminiscent of Mars Volta. Prog rock is definitely a large part of how Guapo writes their movements. Track 3 is an example of an interesting instrumental progression, whereas most of the songs lack in that respect.
I personally would pass on the album, but I could see it becoming a great bridge album for Mars Volta fans who want to find out more about either instrumental rock or general prog rock. Again, the album is performed solidly, and is a worthy addition to a music collection for fans of the genre.
2/4
