Album Review: Contextually Inept by Tangled Thoughts Of Leaving
Alright, let’s talk about Contextually Inept, the wild ride of an album from Tangled Thoughts Of Leaving. Released back in 2010, this Aussie gem is a head-spinning mashup of rock and jazz, with enough experimental twists to keep you guessing. Think free jazz meets math rock, but like… on steroids. It’s not your typical listen, that’s for sure.
The opening track, “Contextually Inept,” hits you right out the gate. The drums are all over the place, like they couldn’t decide if they wanted to be in a jazz club or a mosh pit—and honestly, I’m here for it. Then there’s this guitar line that just sneaks up on you, all angular and twitchy, like it’s trying to solve some kind of musical math equation. By the time the bass kicks in, you’re already lost in its chaotic groove. It’s messy, but in the best way possible—like controlled chaos that somehow makes sense when you stop thinking too hard about it.
Another standout? Let’s go with “Insert Track Name Here” (okay, fine, I forget the exact title, but you’ll know it when you hear it). This one feels like a fever dream where John Coltrane and King Crimson got into a jam session after too much coffee. There’s this saxophone bit that sounds like it’s arguing with itself, while the rhythm section does these weird stop-start tricks that make your head bob involuntarily. You can tell these guys weren’t afraid to push boundaries, and yeah, maybe they trip over themselves a few times, but isn’t that what makes it fun?
Adam Dempsey did the mastering, and he deserves props for keeping this sonic tornado from flying apart completely. Self-released under their own label, Tangled Thoughts Of Leaving clearly didn’t have anyone telling them what to do—and thank god for that. They went full throttle, unfiltered, and raw.
So, would I recommend Contextually Inept? Absolutely—if you’re into stuff that challenges your ears and doesn’t care about fitting neatly into boxes. Sure, it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but hey, life’s too short for boring music. And honestly? If someone told me aliens made this album as a prank to confuse humans, I wouldn’t even question it. That’s how out-there it is.
Final thought: Listening to this feels like eating a sandwich filled with random ingredients you’d never think work together—but somehow, they do. Just don’t ask me to explain why.
