Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Douglas La Ferle - Cabinet of Wonders (2010)

You get that feeling sometimes when you hear a song. That feeling when you realize that the song or artist goes a lot deeper than its presentation might suggest. Professor Pandemonium’s Cabinet of Wonders by Michigan based artist Douglass La Ferle does just that.

“Cabinet of Wonders” is a CD that goes deeper than the next Indie Artist and is mostly the work of one man – Douglas La Ferle. The result though is far from a self-indulgent ego trip for it, instead, is a moving and elegiac artistic statement from start to finish. This is not dark-trippy rock, instead Mr. La Ferle could be classed as one artist that has way too much precision and clarity to live in the shadows of poetic splendor. This is clearly evident in songs like “Sir Paul and Rebel John”, “Give and Take,” and “Let Monkeys Rule” which methodically up the ante to a very respectable level of artistic craftsmanship and brilliant creativity. The music not so commercially viable, but amazingly witty nonetheless with a fresh sound and a comical yet mysterious vibe. In a nutshell this is Frank Zappa meets the Gorillaz. Not every square inch is filled with a vocal delivery under duress – but musical space the allows the music to breathe. This is music that is not so easy to pin down during the first listen, but rather music blessed with something that I would describe as zany musical exuberance.

I would imagine in time we will hear more from this very creative composer. No doubt many brain cells were damaged in the conception of "Cabinet of Wonders", but Douglas La Ferle obviously has access to all parts of his brain the rest of us can't access. I can honestly say this is one artist that clearly gives you a musical snapshot that is highly original, unique and dare I say zanyingly brilliant.

Rating: 4/5

CD can be purchased @ CD BABY - http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/douglaslaferle

Mindy McCall

December, 2011

EvO:R Indie Reviews

Professor Pandemonium's Cabinet of Wonders

by Douglas La Ferle

As Reviewed by Charlie Harrelson

Talk about covering a lot of musical real estate on one 16 track CD. Douglas La Ferle's release of "Professor Pandemonium's Cabinet of Wonders" is an amazing journey back to the 60's and 70's when artist's (on some record labels) where allowed to stretch beyond their collective comfort zones. Bands like, the Beatles, The Mothers of Invention and later with Jethro Tull, Pink Floyd and King Crimson. Each of the bands mentioned released albums that were not confined to a single genre as the Beatles introduced folk, rock, vaudeville and even elements of classical music to many albums. Jetho Tull covered folk, celtic, rock, progressive rock and even elements of classical music all in the context of a single album.

This method of free form music would be nearly impossible in the corporate dominated radio friendly world of music that we live in today. Thank God for the independent artist who is not tied down to one single genre and is allowed to experiment with many musical interests as is the case with this CD.

Part circus, part sideshow and part illusion, this music takes you to a world inhabited with extraordinary images - a girl with x-ray eyes, a tattooed lady, a man cursed to leave a wake of destruction. This musical sleight-of-hand is guaranteed to leave you entertained, amazed and amused with a dazzling display of aural virtuosity to capture the imagination.

I can't really describe the music because the mood changes with almost every song. When I first listened to the CD I thought to myself that La Ferle was out of control and all over the place. Then after a few listens I realized that I was being musicially removed from 2011 and returned to the early 1970's. A time when bands went out of their way not to sound like another band. Nobody sounded like the Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zepplin or The Who. Even Frank Zappa said it was a great time for music invention because the cigar smoking executives didn't understand what was going on. They just saw the money coming in and blindly went with the program. It wasn't until they hired younger A&R people did the music (and the business) become less exciting. The new breed of younger executives became interested in duplicating successfull acts by giving us more acts that sounded like the other acts they signed.

In the studio

This CD covered a lot of ground and it would be difficult and extremely expensive to release a CD this diverse and have it sound amazing. What the CD lacked in sonic brilliance more than made up for it in content and story. The CD does not give studio credits so no need to harbor over a few minor sonic issues.

Conclusion:

If you are under the age of 30 you may not understand the idea of a concept album (assuming you have the attention span to listen to a CD from beginning to end). For the folks that grew up listening to an album or CD from begin to end and taking in all the direction the artist wanted to take you this CD might be for you. Douglas La Ferle has a work to be proud of.

For that I give this CD 4 1/2 stars out of 5. I loved it!

Douglas La Ferle’s Professor Pandemonium’s Cabinet of Wonders (Round Box) is the most wonderfully unusual record released in these parts (or any parts) for a good while. Royal Oak man La Ferle has put

out a record that sounds like the soundtrack to a child’s fantasy movie or the background music at a

19th century sideshow carnival. It’s the kind of music they should be playing at Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum. It’s freaky, creepy, silly and tremendous fun.

---Brett Callwood

City Slang, Detroit MetroTimes

Review:

on 2011-08-31 Michael Morrison Said:

Most would agree most popular artists out there have something truly special to give to their fans. This goes

above the typical attributes like raw talent, amazing songs, nice voice, or even a very marketable look,

sound & image. Theres something truly infectious at the core of these artists that simply makes us feel good

when we listen to them. Whatever it is - they all seem to have it.

Today I spun to the latest CD from Michigan’s own singer/songwriter Douglas La Ferle (Professor

Pandemoniums Cabinets of Wonders - 2010) Venturing to his website & reading his bio I get the impression

he is one songwriter that is extremely passionate about his songwriting craft. From start to finish

this CD from LaFerle is a very evil genius type of artist. Almost like a modern day Frank Zappa or even Beck. I

t has an Alternative Rock quality to it but should not to be underestimated or easily pinned down.

It dabbles in what I would call psychedelic rock but also with a techno side as well. Trust me when

I say this artist goes a bit deeper than the next independent artists out there. Any fans of any of these

musical styles will enjoy this latest release from LaFerle. Its clearly marketed for those who like a male

singer with a mystique of say a Beck & Nick Cave. I get the impression LaFerle is just rolling with what

he knows as a performer in all these songs. In other words he hits the mark remarkably well by just being

who he is. Favorite track is (Let Monkeys Rule). Within each one of these songs LaFerle finds his soul

& delivers his best musical mojo. LaFerle is clearly is a force to be reckoned with as a writer.

The overall vibe of the production is very unpredictable, very original & entertaining.

Douglas La Ferle is a fascinating artist. Like I said most famous artists out there have it Im not so sure

what it but Douglas La Ferle has whatever it may be.

INDIE MUSIC DIGEST CD REVIEW:

Douglas La Ferle - "Professor Pandemonium’s cabinet of Wonders

By: Cyrus Rhodes

"highly original"

"La Ferle is an extremely dangerous composer"

- INDIE MUSIC DIGEST:-

       **********(9 out of 10 stars) 

CD REVIEW:

 

Composer Douglas La Ferle who hails from Royal Oak Michigan & releases his latest CD entitled Professor Pandemonium’s Cabinet of Wonders.

Logging in at just over 66 minutes the CD gently takes to flight with soothing intro piece “Let Monkeys Rule” This song methodically serves up driving industrial-esqe type rhythms against rich sonic melodies & psychedelic vocal flair from La Ferle. Track 2 “Give & Take” shifts gears a bit with its bluesy acoustic guitar groove that dishes out impressive chops against hypnotic vocal flow from La Ferle. Track 2 is painfully simple yet painfully brilliant in its delivery. Track 3 “Pandemonium Ensues” is an impressive hypnotic groove that slowly slithers across your ears with it’s trippy vibe, satirical lyrical content & amazing originality. This song is quite original sounding, dynamic & full of musical peaks & valleys that flow & ebb through fruition. This piece is remarkably striking to the ears with its solid bottom end feel & pulsating bass grooves, gong, & musical variety. 

As the CD slowly unfolds I can hear many musical influences reminiscent of a classic Beck, The Gorillas, & perhaps a dash of Nick Cave. But you will also notice a few ambient, chill dub influences in there as well in the vein of Prodigy & Deep Forrest. I would classify this music as psychedelic acoustic rock with brilliant flashes of theatrical ambience. The musicianship is pretty solid across the board as La Ferle has created an amazing musical playground to play in. I might add there are some impressive vocal harmonies & accents along the way that are both well placed & effective. Equally as impressive are some of the acoustic guitar chops & rhythms. You will also notice rich layers of ambient instrumentation layered along the way full of dynamic sequencing & melodic soundscapes with things like harmonies, timpani, gong, flute, percussive accents. La Ferle’s voice is melodically consistent & is in the vein of Alan Parson, Beck & Dave Gaham (Depeche Mode). I might add the CD is fully loaded with over 60 minutes of music to listen to. From upbeat “There is no Time,” “Just be Friends” & “Origami Heart” to psychedelic “X-ray eyes” to striking ”Another Love” to Celtic “Sir Paul & Rebel John” to ambient “Waves of Darkness” this CD has something for just about everyone. The true brilliance of La Ferle is his melancholy sad but true moments that manage to shine through on piece like “The Night Weeps” & “I can love you.” 

It’s fair to say some songs on the CD are better than others. The CD sounds extremely ambient, synthetic & electronic. Several songs don’t sound like the same band or artist. I like the wide musical variety & extended play format but at the end of the day the CD suffers from a mild case of genera identity crisis. The mix is a bit all over the place with disproportionate & inconsistent volume & instrument levels. La Ferle’s voice works well within the catalogue but is nothing spectacular. His baritone is relatively monotone as he elects to play it safe on all songs avoiding any serious risks that would indicate a world class vocal ability. I wish some of the vocals & drum rhythms sat higher within the mix, especially the kick, snare. All songs over 4 minutes in length tend to drag you to the finish line.        

“Professor Pandemonium’s cabinet of Wonders” is a compelling musical journey. Its strong suit it’s amazing sonic ambience the song for song musical flow. La Ferle gets high marks for his brilliant musical textures & high amount of originality. - nice touch. This CD will be a real joy for those listeners out there who want flowing theatrical ambience to fill their sonic space peacefully & unobtrusively. This progressive format makes for a great extended play experience. I recommend you just hit play, close your eyes & see where the journey takes you. Like the title says, this CD feels like a musical journey & will work best when experienced in that capacity. Overall it is one of the most original & tripped out musical experiences I have encountered this year. Douglas La Ferle is an extremely dangerous composer – it would be wise to keep a watchful eye on him 

"The only thing that should surprise us is that there are still some things that can surprise us."--

Francois De La Rochfoucauld

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Douglas La Ferle is an architect, artist and musician living in Royal Oak, Michigan.

PRESS CONTACT

Douglas La Ferle: [email protected]

Phone: (248) 736-8601