The Bob Lazar Story‘s ‘Self-Loathing Joe’ is almost entirely instrumental, this one is in a category of its own – and one not often trod in these parts – the ‘math/progressive rock’ category. An acquired taste to be sure, but not one bereft of humour. There are several paths to go down, but let’s backtrack just a little bit.

The four-piece hail from Christchurch. Core members are Chris Jago who plays a very full drum kit, and Matt Deacon who plays guitar plus ‘all sorts of stuff’, plus did the mixing and mastering. Influences would be the likes of Frank Zappa and Mr Bungle, but these guys have their own shtick and concept. 2007 saw a 6-track EP called ‘The Silence Of Perez De Cuellar’, 22 minutes of polarising content. May 2012 let ‘Space Roots’ upon the world – 19 tracks over 39 minutes, which would be heading into Fantomas territory. Along with a piece of Pink Floyd, there are some eerie vocals on Ezekiel II, the second-to-last of this seven track release, which provide relief and contrast. It’s not for me to try and spell out and decipher this music, it’s about the listener’s exploration. Enter at your own discretion.

Self-Loathing Joe by The Bob Lazar Story