HiM - Lila (Galaxia, 2004)

HiM
Lila
Galaxia
2004

Rating: 6.5 easter lilies out of 10

Let it be said here and now that Doug Schiarin can do no wrong in my book. He’s easily one of the best drummers in rock music today, and witnessing him live, no matter the setting, is something to behold. HiM is not my favorite work by this man (I mean, he was in June of 44 and Codeine, two of my favorite bands ever for chrissakes!!!), but it’s still damn good and a sight better than most bands to play this style of music. Obvious comparisons to Tortoise may hold some merit, but there is much more of a jazz/world music/Fela Kuti vibe to this than most groups that get the Tortoise comparison thrown at them; this is due in large part to Schiarin’s interesting choices in percussion layered with Rob Mazurek’s stellar Coronet playing (would that be Coronetting?). Add to that some terrific packaging containing photos and designed by the massively talented artist Thomas Campbell (who co-owns the Galaxia label), and you’ve got a recipe for winning.