REVIEW: Streaking In Tongues — Einstein’s Napkin (LP)
Streaking In Tongues, the quirky father-son duo hailing from Marquette, Michigan, has once again graced our ears with their latest sonic escapade, Einstein’s Napkin. Since their debut album, *Knocky-Boo (The Eternal Playground)* back in 2015, these guys have been carving out their own niche in the musical landscape, and with their latest offering, they’re proving that they’re here to stay.
URL: https://www.streakingintongues.com/
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room — or should I say, the Sasquatch? Yes, these guys have a thing for Bigfoot, but don’t let that fool you. Einstein’s Napkin is far from the band’s previous cryptozoological concept albums; I can hear some of you sighing in disappointment, and I was initially the same way, but WAIT! Instead, it’s a whimsical journey through the minds of Ronnie and Elliott Ferguson, set to an eclectic blend of indie rock, experimental folk, and jazz-infused grooves. No lyrics, but lots of saxophone.
From the moment the opening track, “Lumbering Along Bluff Creek,” kicks in, you know you’re in for a unique experience as the sparse track slowly dips you into the musical creek that you’ll be floating down for the next forty minutes, give or take. The infectious melodies and off-kilter rhythms will have you tapping your feet and scratching your head in equal measure. It’s like a musical road trip, with Ronnie and Elliott at the helm, daring you to hold on for dear life.
Another thing that particularly sets Einstein’s Napkin apart from previous offerings in the SIT catalog is the addition of saxophonist extraordinaire Patrick Booth. His soulful saxophone solos add an extra layer of impact to the band lineup, and he’s allowed to shine across every track. Some pieces like ”Holy Gull” even basically become “his” song. Booth manages to levitate the duo’s honed, refined sound with ease, joining the group and never overshadowing the original duo. It’s like he’s sprinkling musical fairy dust all over the place, and we’re here for it.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Streaking In Tongues album without a healthy dose of humor and irreverence. Track titles like “The Life Span of a Cricket” and “Timber Wolf with Hiccups” showcase the duo’s playful side, with older fans remembering older tracks such as “A Pig’s Orgasm Lasts 30 Minutes.” There are plenty of similar titles that are sure to bring a smile to your face. It’s like a musical inside joke, and we’re all in on it. Oh, did I mention that there’s a song called “May Your Scat Be Soft”? Because… yeah. Of course there is.
Let’s not forget about the production. Einstein’s Napkin is an album that was clearly made with love, with every note and nuance lovingly crafted to perfection. From the crisp guitar tones to the lush saxophone solos and harmonies, each element of the album is given the care and attention it deserves. It’s like a sonic feast for the ears, and we’re digging in with gusto. It’s not every day that you get a small indie record like this that manages to sound this good, but Streaking In Tongues have clearly been working on their craft for nearly a decade and it shows.
In the end, Einstein’s Napkin is a testament to the boundless creativity and infectious energy of Streaking In Tongues. With its catchy melodies, clever lyrics, and undeniable charm, it’s a musical journey you won’t want to miss. So do yourself a favor and give it a spin. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did.
Colin Jordan
