I can hear Futurama’s Bender now: “Hey Meatbags, Scambot is here!”, then chugging a bottle of Ol’ Fortran to celebrate. Part One of Mike Keneally’s new three-part invention, “Scambot,” comes online in November. Years in the making, “Scambot 1” is the beginning of a story starring the former Ian McPlanet, now known as SCAMBOT or Serial Consciousness Agent (Military division) - Bringer Of Truth. While the story in detail has yet to be revealed, the liner notes that will be packaged with the album are expected to shed considerable more light on it. It is clear, however, that Scambot’s nemesis is Ophunji, themed by the second track on the album.

“Scambot 1” is a very complex work. Much of the album is instrumental and extremely varied stylistically. Mike clearly did not restrict himself in any way in the creation of this epic. There are characteristically quirky jaunts like “Ophunji’s Theme”, “Tomorrow” (rather “T-o-m-o-r-r-Ow!”), “M”, and ”Brink” that one may come to expect from Mike, but even within these songs, you can hear sounds reminiscent of past masterpieces like the brilliantly diverse “Boil That Dust Speck” (1994), the acoustic and serene “Wooden Smoke” (2001) and the mind-twisting orchestral “The Universe Will Provide” (2004).

The most unusual tracks on the album are the two “Cat Bran Sammich” pieces which surround the haunting instrumental, “You Named Me.” “Cat Bran” is full of wacky lyrics, multi-layered effect-laden vocals, and off-kilter rhythms. A close third to the “Cat Bran” duo is “Behind the Door”. The first half of the song is full of strange vocal effects and spoken syllables. It then bounces over a bevy of sound effects landing in a bass synth wobble that trudges along to a distant accordion-like melody. It conjures up pleasantly bizarre visuals for sure!

The two longest pieces on the album “We Are the Quiet Childen” and “Gita”, clocking in at 8:23 and 12:10 respectively, are the two most reminiscent of “Universe”. “Children” is the jazzier of the two, with some free-form drumming and ripping Blues solos by Mike during the second half. “Gita” is a highly-arranged piece complete with orchestral backing, overdubbed acoustic and electric guitar, and many wonderful syncopated runs, some intertwined with bass, some with violin. There are parts to “Gita” that may even remind the discerning listener of Yes’ “Awaken” from the classic “Going for the One” album. Stepping back from the album as a whole, “Gita” stands out as the centerpiece of the album. Fantastic stuff.

The album ends with an acoustic ditty called “DaDunDa”, which features Mike’s daughter Jesse Keneally on backing vocals. Some of it reminds me of the softer moments of David Gilmour’s “On An Island” album. This song would fit very, very well onto “Wooden Smoke” and is a gorgeous ending to Part One of “Scambot”.

This is a very multifaceted album and ranks high within Mike Keneally’s catalog. There is an abundance of content to soak in, so expect to spin it multiple times before you “get it.” Again, I can only imagine that liner notes and artwork will help we the listeners understand the narrative of “Scambot” and I for one am looking very forward to its release to the masses, including the bonus disc, “Songs & Stories Inspired by Scambot 1”! What would a Keneally album be without a disc full of tasty extras! So, grab your Robotology scripture and prepare for the arrival of “Scambot”!

Review by Chad Hutchinson
October 13, 2009