Enter Jon Mueller’s mammoth new solo percussion work, Physical Changes. If his previous solo effort Metals was about pummeling rhythms and frequencies, Physical Changes drives the whole idea into oblivion, as the sounds here are something to be felt as much as heard. Joined by the intense propulsion of James Plotkin (Khanate, Khlyst, Phantomsmasher), the textural chaos of Fred Lonberg-Holm (Wilco, Peter Brotzmann Tentet, Ken Vandermark’s Territory Band), the computer meltdown of Marcus Schmickler (Pluramon), the surreal precision of Dan Burke (Illusion of Safety), the glorious flight of Jim Schoenecker (Collections of Colonies of Bees) and the stunning landscape film work of David Dinnell, Physical Changes takes the idea of ‘heavy rhythm’ and spreads it out over an elaborate, all-inclusive three format (LP/CD/DVD) release that reveals how complex and diverse heavy rhythm can actually be. From the pounding, raw country minimalism of “Nothing Changes,” to the brutally intense onslaught of “Things Will Not Stay the Way They Are,” Mueller takes the fundamental concepts of rhythm and percussion, those primal devices, and turns them into an entirely new experience that’s heard, seen, and felt. Come experience it for yourself.
Jon Mueller has been an active drummer and percussionist since the mid-80s. Whether utilizing bombastic minimalism, dense interplay, or electroacoustic practices, his approach focuses on a physical dialog between situation and material. He has performed throughout the U.S., Japan, and Europe, works regularly with the group Collections of Colonies of Bees, and has performed or recorded with members of the groups Swans, Wilco, Bon Iver, Rhys Chatham's Guitar Trio, and many others.
According to others:
“Rusted and resonant like K.K. Null or Merzbow in a steel tub.” – Stereogum
“Majestic” - Pitchfork
“Virtuosic full-kit punishment.” – Boomkat
“Mueller is pushing the boundaries of percussion.” – Blurt Magazine
“Percussion is often subsumed within the densely swelling layers of electronic and manipulated sound…to a remarkable degree with the unstable, bottom heavy, rather threatening electronic sounds which are characteristic of this impressive set.” – The Wire
Killer set at Murmur the other night. Nice meeting/hanging with you and the Cages gang. Hope the night worked out with sleeping arrangements, chili digestion, etc. !
I just got exposed to METALS a couple weeks ago. What a fantastic work! Really, my highest compliments. Looking forward to seeing you in Europe some time. Best from Berlin! D.
Very very beautiful art of work, an "inside" percussion world approach very intersting for the ears. Bravo. Greetings from france by QUATTROPHAGE ( and we could suppose by Pied Nu Festival Crew closed collaborators and friends.) www. myspace. com/nozalcube
I will be at the show May 11th w/ the fabulous Megafaun. All of my roommates love it when I listen to Metals in the living room right after I wake up. I'm pretty sure of that.
ya know...i played up your set to everyone "duuudes, this is a must see" you didn't disappoint. so, congrats on smoking our collective band brains. -Adam