Kratitude [CD]

The Seconds play repetitive folk music driven by a profound expression of KRATITUDE. Within The Seconds social circles, it is believed that repetition is the simplest and most direct form of communication; the most effective method for achieving emphasis or apathy, passion or indifference, confusion or clarity; the most "economical" of compositional devices. Coupled with the musematic repetitive strategies, the compact and easy-to-follow song structures give the Seconds music a natural accessibility. Their music is driven by a profound expression of KRATITUDE. Primitive and urgent, the voices, generally monophonic in approach, intone rather than sing. Language is exploited for its rhythmic and phonetic properties. The concepts normally associated with words are dissolved in the repetition and all that remain are the sounds of the mouth, tongue, and throat. The Seconds straddle the line of communication breakdown. The rhythms and percussive aspects of the instruments are derived from the rhythmic meter of the vocal phrases. The rhythms of the instruments and those of the voices work together to form interlocking parts. Melody, usually found in the guitar or bass, generally takes a subordinate role to rhythm but stands out when necessary. Harmony is often replaced by density. Some important influences on parts of Kratitude were found in North Indian Classical music, West African drumming styles, and Just Intonation tuning theory. There is one cover on this record.