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Wild Game uses ideas from multiple genres to perform otherworldly instrumental music. Wild Game is heavier than practically any other fusion project. They alternate between free improvisation and intricate written parts without resorting to conventional fusion tropes. Wild Game is not the idle mimicry of prodigies, vainly swapping ever-more-obscure genres. The constituent voices are each coherent, nuanced individuals soldiering under a common banner.
Joe Johnson brings a hyper technical post-shred guitar sensibility to Wild Game. A transplant from the Philadelphia metal scene, his credits include Moore, Wastoid, Shadowdance, and The Great Kat. His use of the guitar has been compared to Gallagher's use of the watermelon. "It was going very fast, but I'm still not sure whether it's funny."
Forest Lauck lays down the five-string funk that keeps Wild Game catchy. Equally at home in gypsy modes or afro-cuban rhythms, his unique perspective keeps the bass in the forefront where it belongs. Lauck's technical prowess allows him to execute runs that would ordinarily be the province of lead guitar, providing the band with enormous arranging flexibility.
Steve Sirockin's energetic drum style drives Wild Game, setting the mood in the tradition of Elvin Jones, Billy Cobham, and Terry Bozzio. He has performed or recorded with Carole King's band Navarro, Robin Crow, folk rocker Buzzy Linhardt, Acoustic Junction, and members of the Rippingtons, Michael Murphy Band, Jerry Jeff Walker Band, and Firefall.
In the 35 years since "Bitches Brew," fusion has given rise to its own genre conventions, often obscuring the goal of bringing together divergent styles of music. Wild Game returns to the fusion concept in its original, literal sense. Each player is responsible for his own instrument. Aside from being highly schooled, their musical backgrounds are vastly different. The resultant sound is distinct, expansive, challenging, and playful.
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