Have to admit, the Maine music scene is mostly folk, blues, & metal, and there's not a lot of challenging sounds being produced (not to say there aren't a few good bands...just not 'out there' enough for my tastes). I had heard 'Cerberus Shoal' on a couple of their shared CDs with 'Herman Dune' and with 'Alvarius B', but this was my first time seeing them (long ride to Portland). I had always liked them, but the recent write up in Ptolemaic Terrascope had gotten my interest piqued to see them. It was certainly worth the trip for what turned out to be a very unique and excellent show.

'Cerberus Shoal' played on Saturday September 20th, at this cool art space, appropriately enough titled "The Space" in Portland. This was the band's kick off show for their East Coast tour...(here's their Tour Page if you want to try to catch them...I'd seriously suggest it!), and it was also their 'CD Release Party' for their latest CD. A movie by a local artist and a folk singer preceded the band, but I didn't catch those...better late than never with our long ride from Waterville!!!

Cerberus Shoal came on at around 10:15.  The first band that comes to mind to me is 'Roxy Music', and not because of the sound (they sound NOTHING alike), but because both bands are six piece. EXPLANATION: With the extra members, the bands are able to mix in some instrumentation that makes them sound different than anybody else (I still haven't heard a band that sounds like 'Roxy', and 'Cerberus' are unique). 'Cerberus Shoal' had instrumentation ranging from a Harmonium (one of my FAVORITE instruments...see: Nico) to many percussive objects that I've never seen before...they understood the instruments too, and instead of novelties, the sounds became completely integral to the sound. The music became multi-layered with sounds I haven't heard before, ...What a treat!!! I personally LOVE sounds I haven't heard before!

All band members played multiple instruments too, so each song had a different sound than the one before it. It was very cool to be constantly challenged and surprised by the different sounds that were being played. The funny thing is, trying to explain what they sound like is NOT easy.  The best way to describe them, is that they don't sound like anybody else I've heard (and that's a HELLUVA complement...).  "Ethnic, progressive, experimental, tribal sounds" is about as close as I can get to a description...Lots of experimental sounds, but when they lock into a groove, it was the WEIRDEST freaking groove...and thanks to the many ethnic instruments, the groove was very very unique (wow, I'm sure that helped ALL OF YOU understand exactly how they sound...).

Anyways, definitely check them out if they come to a venue near you! Check out 'Cerberus Shoal', Maine's Best Band!!!

Originally Published 9-21-03