Aranos - Tax (Pieros ) Aranos is a Czech Multi-instrumentalist that has worked with the likes of Current ‘93, Nurse With Wound and Leicester’s very own Volcano the Bear. Tax’s concept reflects on that fact that we all pay tax, to varying degrees, in all the countries of the world, which in turn funds all of the wars in the world. Aranos uses swinging jazz and blues as a foundation upon which to experiment to deliver this simple notion. “Innocent in the Garden” with it’s duelling double basses leads into a Stephane Grappelli-like violin-jazz opener. “I Pay Tax” starts as traditional blues (including those age old line beginnings, ‘I woke up this morning...’) then provides an extensive list of what we pay tax on - a theme which travels into “You Pay Tax”. “We Train” with samples and militia drum rolls launches the more experimental vein - “Sargeant Zero” drawing on rap, “Padre Speaks” using minimalist church organ to back the sermon. “With Our Killing Costume On” is off-kilter Temperance Seven style music hall. Proceedings close on a more sombre note, “Bus Conductor” a broken and diseased “Minnie the Moocher” and “Bowling Along” - extended minimalist drone scrapings. Truly eclectic, and I’m glad I didn’t pay for the CD, so as not to contribute to more war!! www.aranos.net Will F. Next