Massacre: Funny Valentine

Those who caught any of Massacre's many New York performances in the early '80s will attest to its formidable power; the band's one release, Killing Time, only hinted at the group's vast capabilities. Formed by former Henry Cow player and all-around ingenious improviser Fred Frith, Massacre's best-known incarnation included bassist Bill Laswell and drummer Fred Maher, both of Material fame and both staples of New York's downtown scene. The band's funky, No Wave shrapnel was a far more aggressive answer to the supergroup grooves of its peers in The Golden Palominos, but Massacre didn't last long enough to really show the world its stuff. Fifteen years later, Funny Valentine gives listeners a second chance to appreciate its work. Massacre's new line-up once again features Frith and Laswell, but now the drumming is handled by legendary This Heat player Charles Hayward, whose skewed beats and remarkable skills add a distinct edge to Funny Valentine. Less structured and therefore arguably more intense than Killing Time, the record is reminiscent of Arcana's equally ear-opening The Last Wave, a collection of loud improvisations featuring Laswell, drummer Tony Williams, and guitarist Derek Bailey. Improv is, by definition, hit-or-miss, but this gathering of giant talents should silence even improvised music's most vocal opponents, while satisfying ardent fans of free composition.