C-Clamp

  • C-Clamp
  • Meander & Return (Ohio Gold) 1995 

This trio from Champaign, IL encapsulated much of what is called “slowcore” — that is, the use of steady dynamics within tempered songs. Tempos mostly hover in the low numbers, as many notes are hit on the upbeat and instrumental development takes precedence over melody. Tom Fitzgerald’s vocals are appropriately deep, dismal and inexpressive throughout Meander & Return. Bassist Nick Macri went on to play in Heroic Doses.

[Ben Goldberg]