In this incarnation of 5uu's, leader-drummer Dave Kerman (of Thinking Plague, U Totem, and Present) was surrounded by Bob Drake (also Thinking Plague, Hail) and Sanjay Kumar (U Totem). Electronician Thomas DiMuzio provides sonic textures for four tracks and Scott Brazieal appears on vibes once. The band's previous record, Hunger's Teeth, dated back to 1994. Crisis in Clay was worth the wait, since 5uu's delivered what can be considered an essential album to any fan of complex rock that goes beyond the standard progressive rock format. Oddly enough, the main reference that springs to mind upon hearing Crisis in Clay is Yes. Of course, Bob Drake's high-pitched vocals bear some responsibility toward this impression, but one can also hear some of Steve Howe's signature licks in the guitar work. Whenever the music gets more symphonic, one can feel the spirit of Yes not too far away. Actually, Crisis in Clay sounds like what Yes might have sound like in the '90s if they had continued to evolve in the same direction their tangential album Relayer hinted ("The Gates of Delirium" showed some Henry Cow). So Crisis in Clay is one part Yes, one part Henry Cow, one part totemist (Motor Totemist Guild, U Totem). Songs are short (all under five minutes) and have complex structures (crazy drum patterns), rich arrangements (found sound backgrounds give them depth), and angular melodies. Songs like "Comeuppance," "Bought the Farm," and "Hunter-Gatherer" are rocking cerebral gems. A must. ~ François Couture, All Music Guide
