Muskox, a Toronto-based post-minimalist band, was formed by Toronto multi-instrumentalist and composer Michael Smith in August of 2006 for the Bummer in the Summer music festival. Since that time, the group has released three mini-cds – Caveman Caveman Crystal Skulls (2006), Fever Dream (2007), and Gallantries (2008), all available at Soundscapes (572 College st.), through muskoxhq.net, or from Mike directly.
Muskox is the quintessence of the D.I.Y. ethic: all the music is composed, recorded, and mixed by Michael Smith at his home. In addition, Smith has also designed and printed all of the CD artwork, and even built a number of the instruments used in his compositions. The compositions themselves achieve that rare synthesis of appealing accessibility and an adventurous, avant-garde aesthetic. Using refreshingly creative instrumentation (the combination pedal-steel, vibraphone, harmonium, Fender Rhodes, banjo, double bass, and saxophone on Gallantries is especially novel), and drawing on an eclectic variety of influences (including Frank Zappa, Town & Country, Captain Beefheart, and Edgar Meyer), Smith interweaves memorable melodies set in contrasting metrical patterns to achieve a complex rhythmic nexus that hypnotizes without bewildering.
Muskox features some of Toronto’s finest musicians from across a variety of genres: classical percussionist Jamie Drake (vibraphone, cajon), improviser and performance artist Matthew Dunn (banjo, pedal steel), and jazz musicians Ali Berkok, Mark Laver, and Pete Johnston (keyboards, saxophone, and double bass, respectively) play Smith’s music with a sense of enthusiasm and excitement that is plainly evident in live performance and on the recordings.
thanks Mike! the last few shows that we've played have gone really well. i'm glad you got to hear us w/ most of the bandmates. we should see about coordinating something w/ your project!
Mike! Currently listening to your CD. 'Tis beautiful- love the sound of harmonium and vibraphone. Let me know if you are ever over here, either with MV/EE or otherwise. You should come and play in London! E x
Enhanced aesthetics collect from athletics. Age like fine wine while many moan to dine. To feast on the succullent beast that not only instills power but fills the will. Till its popped and hisses like a zagging balloon snaking across the fear filled room. A bubble bursts with each lost idea. Bathed in wisdom then scrubbed it off. Too much weight in a heavy mind, may as well be a sis and wimp your way to bliss. Cut off the nuts like a fat dieting squirrel. Put on your dress and give us a twirl. Dance out your destiny baby. And ignore stress while relishing flesh. Can eye balls so they stay fresh. Catch up with a net in a hot air balloon. Keep trying yet, youll nab your star soon. Most hard things be the only source of pride. Proving your worth will bring you inside. A challenge sets up a dictator. winner. victor. (s)He who who rises up may blanket competition. Like soup, skin, cream or steam. Elevate to manipulate, elevate to instigate your decision, vision, utopia. Be an alleviated comforter with all the id/ego ado in your head. ID Lego cous you never can tell with plastic. Classics wrinkle, dent and flacid. Age like fine wine, but one day you are bound to lose your
Mike, you’re turning into a fine wine and getting better with age. Love the new tracks!! Full of shimmery joy and murky moods. I’d love to work together some time in the future. Keep up the great work. Andy.
I got a chance to pick up one of your MiniDiscs at Soundscapes, It's really solid. I would love to see you guys on the 30th but im afraid im seeing Stars of the Lid acouple days before that, and well highschools a bitch, so what can i do. play again though! I would love to see you guys peform.
Stunning Mike. Holy holy, absolutely beautiful! I love the rain droppy twinklies towards the end of foot locker gave me the tingles not to be confused with tinkles (but I could see how it would have that power).
