Carter Thornton – Mapping the Ghost Vol. 2: The Dead Beach to The Church
8.26.16 by Grant Purdum
I wasn’t sure what I wanted to listen to just now, and it’s flat-out amazing how well “Mapping the Ghost Vol. 2: The Dead Beach to The Church” fits the bill, and I haven’t even had the pleasure of hearing Volume 1. Never-the-mind; Carter Thornton (also of Gnaw, Enos Slaughter) is onto something here, plumbing the depths of group improv in a subtly brilliant manner, with duo showcases, lots of roadbumps, and a cool-jazz feel that doesn’t at all betray the experimental bent of much of the proceedings. How common is it for musicians to have this much fun while recording an album? Perhaps the 14-year span (from 1999-2013) “Mapping the Ghost Vol. 2” is culled from explains its loose nature, its ability to flirt with several potholes without ever jumping full-body into one. Of particular note is the dazzling trumpet display, trilling up and down seamlessly while the playful piano lines dive into the dirt and emerge again unsullied.
“Mapping the Ghost Vol. 2: The Dead Beach to The Church” is what cassettes were made for; Thornton manages a skillful blend of enthusiasm and aplomb, nailing just about every musical theory he posits and flaunting a ton of indie/DIY smarts along the way. Soft Abuse never fail to surprise, so here we go again… Again.