4 out of 5

Label: Neurot

Produced by: Kris Force, Mason Jones, and Steve Von Till

Improv-y instrumental stuff that’s a bit more structured than Tribes of Neurot but along similar lines… which follows since this is on Neurot and features Steve Von Till.  Even though we’re dealing with essentially untitled tracks (‘TRK1,’ ‘TRK2,’ etc.), 355 appreciably sets up a unique atmosphere for each, seeding elements throughout the whole album but spacing out ambient wanderings with moody slogs and haunting effects.  The only tracks that blend together are TRK2 – which is the shortest track here, at 54 seconds – and TRK3, which is all fine and good as the former is the atmospheric lead-in to the latter, structured as such (in improv land), I imagine, to give us an effective branch from the slightly darling opener and the darker TRK3.  TRK8, closing out the disc, is also an echo of TRK1, but whereas the repeated (and manipulated) vocals of the opener appropriately give us a feeling of questioning and longing, the concluding version feels a bit more close-minded, and less drawn out, as though any album-long questions or ponderances are meant to be shut down, while at the same time allowing us to drift back to TRK1.  I always appreciate a cyclical listening experience, and I find it especially notable when we’re working in less clearly structured pieces like ‘355.’

My reference point to the title comes from the character in the Y the Last Man Comic, Agent 355 of the government’s spy agency, the Culper Ring.  I doubt this is the true starting point of that source, but just going from the overall vibe of mystery and tragedy of that series, along with the dash of romance 355’s character arc contained, the album ‘355’ syncs with that well enough.

Some points are docked for general obliqueness – it’s not really clear if there’s a mood or theme until you’ve been through the album a couple times.  This is common to improv, perhaps, but the disc is remarkably consistent once you’re familiar with its pacing; It then becomes a surprisingly brief journey.  And perhaps we’re not supposed to treat the lyrics as much more than atmosphere, but I can’t help but roll my eyes each time in track one when I realize that Von Till (or whoever) is probably just purposefully draaaawwwing out what he’s saying so it sounds creepier.  This is less obvious on later tracks when the vocals are whispered or clipped.

As Tribes of Neurot can be even more impenetrable, I wasn’t sure if I’d find my way through ‘355,’ and initial listens seemed to hold up to that expectation.  It’s definitely a headphone experience, and one that becomes absolutely more rewarding once you’ve ‘heard the whole story’ a few times, and know to remain patient for the more important beats, as they enhance the whole.