REVIEWS
January 2000 Fairfield Weekly ©...Ronnie Neuhauser's Congregation Against Styrocultural Brain Damage. Umm, yeah. This is one of those bizarre entities that confound and befuddle. I guess you'd loosely refer to it as a rock opera. It has four acts, 22 tracks and a cast of 17. I suspect it's about the horrors of corporate America and about how democracy and humanity have been gobbled up--like maybe commerce is the new religion or something like that. There's a Government Pork Informer, The Commander 'n' Thief and several Malcontents, along with "Non-Conformist Bellows of Disapproval." Although I admit to a pre-conceived notion that Neuhauser was a talking head for the radical fringe, his soundtrack for reform is pretty coherent. And it's not just an elaborate ploy to mask a lack of talent--the music is good. Rock, R&B, funk, and lots of big-band horns. And there are pleasant surprises here and there like the suave, Latin-flavored guitar riffs and smoky beats in the midst of "Congregation." Act Two "Bile from the Belly of a Jackal" has some real socio-political gems. The spoken word "I Am the Media" makes some great points about mainstream sensationalistic brainwashing, which is why we here at the alternative press work for next to nothing to save our souls; and Neuhauser is good at making zealous, radical points in a witty, well-organized way so as not to scare the moderates among us. "Tax Monster" is really funny and unfortunately all too true; it's about what our tax money goes toward--like studies on public approval of beets. One of my favorites is "Lust in Oval Space," which is a very beatnik experimental spoken-word piece, interspersed with tight and noodley guitar solos, featuring a presidential impersonation claiming, "I did not sexually harass that small-breasted woman." It's an ambitious project and a surprisingly successful one. Can you imagine this guy live?
Ronnie Neuhauser's Congregation Against Styrocultural Brain Damage is a concept album/rock opera that hails from the mind of composer/guitar virtuoso Ron Neuhauser. This disc is brilliant in every sense of the word. With C.A.S.B.D., Neuhauser manages to blend the best aspects of Rock, Funk, and Avant Garde with bits of Jazz and latin-flavored percussions to create quite the masterpiece. Oh yeah, and there's plenty of guitar as Neuhauser's leads resemble a blend of Allan Holdsworth, Frank Zappa, Gary Moore and Carlos Santana. Yes, he is that damn good! That being said, Ronnie has a very innovative guitar playing style and a very unique guitar sound. Neuhauser also wrote and produced the entire album.
This album is very theatrical; from the opening song "Congregation" and throughout, C.A.S.B.D. plays like a realistic, yet satirical portrayal of the watered-down world we live in. Ron is a true artist, and C.A.S.B.D. is his lament of a lost society. Joining Ron in the creation of C.A.S.B.D. are a slew of artists and musicians that include four different lead vocalists, a horn section, spoken word, and straight acting — a testament to the versatility of this project. There's plenty of humor in C.A.S.B.D. as well — check out the reality-based "Lust in Oval Space" and "Commander N' Thief." But Neuhauser's brilliance takes over by the fourth act, which is an all-instrumental guitar-driven shredfest, pure bliss for fans of great guitar playing. "New Nomadic Man Suite (first movement)" is worth the price of the disc alone.
It's quite an experience to sit, listen and absorb Ronnie Neuhauser's Congregation Against Styrocultural Brain Damage in its entirety, and I recommend it to anybody who's reading this. Do yourselves a favor, head on over to Ronnie Neuhauser's website (an experience all in itself - it features Ronnie's own hilarious terminology glossary), order C.A.S.B.D. and get ready to be blown away!
Shred Pick - Commander N' Thief (4:37)
Reviewed by Henry Bocanegra
Jan 2003 CT. Music - Let's get this out of the way right up front... if Ronnie's not expecting a direct parallel comparison to Frank Zappa, then he's nuckin futs. That being said - this is the first attempt at a Zappa-ish style composition that I've ever listened to from beginning to end... multiple times... because it's that fucking good. G'damn boy!!!!!
I must say, with the opening chords awash with cheesy 80's synth sounds, I wasn't highly optimistic. Luckily, that lasted for a mere 30 seconds before it became apparent that this was going to be a fun ride. I almost immediately recognized Jeff Holloran's (of Cubistic Jack fame) vocals before opening the CD booklet to see who was singing - but it was Dean Kosh's drumming that sent me running for the CD booklet - this boy has always been one of CT's best kept secrets! Damn shame, really... This isn't to say that the rest of the cast didn't do a phenomenal job on this disc, but I'll end my gushing with a quick note about Ronnie's guitar playing... SCREAMIN'!!!!!
First of all, it's a concept album, which in and of itself is damn hard to pull off. There are 4 acts that flow seemlessly to create the story of a downward spiraling culture... ours! Everyone gets a toast - from the media to the president to the people behind both of them! Some of it is subtle tongue in cheek, some direct in your face. Either way, you get the point.
Musically, the disc is diverse and enjoyable from beginning to end. As I said before, it's very Zappa-esque, so anything goes - and it does!
Really, I can't say enough about this disc. I highly recommend it for all lovers of music. The writing is top notch, and the recording by Christian Geith is superb - the major studios have nothing on him.
Head over to www.nocheez.com to get all the info you'll need and place an order for your disc!
Reviewed By Keith Wilkinson
Nocheez Orchestrra - War and Pom Poms
No Cheez Orchestra , War and Pom Poms (nocheez.com). A progressive, jazz-rockpalooza of heavy social commentary and amazing musicianship, conducted by guitarist Ronnie Neuhauser and infused by his own mind-altering guitar work and lyrical venom. Performance skits tell a tale interspersed with sonic orchestrations that don’t bog down. Both insightful and humorous, and doesn’t get pompous or masturbatory. Best lyrics: “The guy with the biggest pile wins? A steamy pile is all you is.”
—Craig Gilbert
Nocheez Orchestrra - War and Pom Poms
This is the NCO's latest release, and as always, it's simply wonderful. Ronnie's not exactly known for keeping his views to himself, and now he's built an opera around it! The band is in perfect form on these tracks, and Jeff Holloran and Trisha Radill do an incredible job with Ronnie's words.
Lyrically, the disc is a social commentary on life in post 9/11 USA. Musically, the disc is a commentary on everything Ronnie has ever listened to! The production is excellent, the arrangements are progressive, and the band is ON. What else can I say - get this disc! Actually, get two and give one to a friend! It just needs to be heard...
For his next trick, I'd like to hear Ronnie do a musical adaptation of "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy". Just a thought...
Reviewed By Keith Wilkinson
Nocheez Orchestrra - War and Pom Poms
Play Magazine Earwax: Local CD Reviews, David Lewis, Staff Writer
No Cheez Orchestra initially had two strikes against them in my book, a cheese reference in the name and the inability to spell. But when their cd finally made its begrudging way into the stereo... well, I am not sure where to begin.
It's like Zappa smoking an early Genesis joint while listening to Rush in reverse; it's like playing every Ween record at the same time while tripping on peyote and watching Fox News; it's like going to a Pink Floyd-themed diner and eating a Yes sandwich with David Byrne.
I'm not sure if any of that is good or bad, but War and Pom Poms is certainly like nothing I've ever heard before.
Styrocultural Antidote - Sweat Hog
New Haven Advocate Music Reviews...Nine tracks of grooved-up, jazz-rock fusion fronted by das Neuhauser on guitar. Ronnie's got it all down pat. Top end, six-string expertise with a "jazz from hell" flair. Even when he goes off there's no "Oooh! Look at me! Look how many 53rd notes I can cram into one measure!" virtuoso masturbation. It all fits appropriately and he knows how to ride the vibe. Neuhauser is backed by a rhythm section that ain't no slouch, either. Sweat Hog is a damn good listen. T-i-i-i-ight, well mixed, solid release. For you non-instrumental cats, the last track ("Numbskull") is a multi-voiced piece about the dumbing up of society. Amusing, not preachy, and guaranteed you know one of the characters.
Reviewed by Craig Gilbert § 08/07/03 CD Review
(http://newhavenadvocate.com/gbase/Music/content?oid=oid:28269)
Styrocultural Antidote - Sweat Hog
Article by: Keith - 5/7/2003 - CT Music
I simply can't say enough about this undiscovered local talent - Ronnie's songwriting, playing, and arrangements are well beyond anything 'garage-based'. As well, his sense of humor is incredibly welcome in this age of xerox-rock. (No Blink-182 prat falls - just anabashed irreverence!)
I first heard Ron when he sent me his 'Congregation Against Styrocultural Brain Damage' - a concept album commenting on the decline of our civilization, much in the vein of Frank Zappa as far as music and production. 'Sweat Hog' follows in the tradition of the amazing guitarists of Zappa's band - a la Steve Vai and Mike Kenneally. His sound and fluidity evoke the spirits of the aforementioned guitar Gods, as well as that of Al Dimeola, Allan Holdsworth, Mr Zappa himself, and (I think it's safe to say...) everyone else he's ever listened to! Simply a joy to hear.
The disc kicks off with a flurry of notes, echoed on bass and drums by Mike Perez and Fran Merante - monsters on their instruments in their own rights - but more on that later... The song "Sweat Hog" sets the tone for the disc, careening from funked up jazz into light floating chords accented by bass and drums and even touching on some metal riffs along the lines of... early Queensryche?!?!
Each song that follows builds in the same manner as 'Sweat Hog', unpredictable yet melodic, while showcasing the incredbile talents of the trio.
Personal faves include 'M.H. Funk on the D.L.' with it's guitar harmonies-from-hell and spanish guitar runs, the syncopated recurring melodies and slap bass work of 'Get Your Mojo On', and the one vocal track 'Numbskull' for it's sheer silliness.
9 cuts in all, this disc won't leave your player for weeks!
And let's not forget the band! Fran Merante's drum playing is phenomenal! Tasty rhythms that cover every genre of music ever discovered, with spot on timing. And Mike Perez has a touch that allows the bass to cut through the mix with ease while never being overpowering. As well, he's able to keep up with Ronnie!
I highly recommend this disc as an addition to your collection.
Be sure to check out Ron's website at http://web.archive.org/web/20041122041701/http://www.nocheez.com/ for more information.
Keep up the great work, Ronnie!
Styrocultural Antidote - Sweat Hog - Review by Guitar Nine
Sweat Hog is the largely instrumental, rock fusion offering by the group Ronnie Neuhauser's Styrocultural Antidote, which features Neuhauser on guitar, along with Mike Perez on bass and Fran Merante on drums. The CD serves up the trio's free form explorations, which of course means plenty of Neuhauser's fiery guitar playing throughout the nine cuts. The wah-wah pedal gets hammered on tracks such as "Face" and "Mojoson", while "Liberation From The Jackal", is a medium-to-slow number which allows for heavy, melodically evocative and freaked-out guitar lines that slap the listener upside the head. Finally, "Equinox At Chichen Itza" sports a cool early '70s hard rock vibe before laying out the high tech improvs. If you like your fusion improvisational and ambitious, check out Ronnie Neuhauser's body of work.
Ronnie formerly headed up the rock/funk outfit Grooveyard, which received recognition in the New Haven Advocate's Grand Band Slam/Sounds Of New Haven. His song "Dr. Sus" took first place in the 1999 Songwriter's Association of Washington's Mid-Atlantic Song Contest. His 1999 concept CD "Congregation Against Styrocultural Brain Damage" was a recipient of a Preston Foundation grant.
Neuhauser is working on a slew of compositions, some of which are putting to use his own music theory, which he has been developing for a few years now. He has many recordings scheduled for release in the future, including a new instrumental CD entitled "Stupid Like Cow", his opera "Gangr'ear" and another CD of complete madness entitled "It's All About The Grass", which should bring to light Neuhauser's depth and adventurousness of composition.
Nocheez Orchestrra - Mummarts and Boggarts
Written by Advocate Staff
Tuesday, 05 October 2010
Local artists reviewed
No Cheez Orchestra, Mummarts and Boggarts (self-released, nocheez.com). Ronnie Neuhauser is a long-time New Haven-area guitarist and composer, dating back to his band Grooveyard in the ’90s. With Styrocultural Antidote, he helped produce and compose music for the video The Shakespeare Lady about local street performer Margaret Holloway — that’s deep, inside Elm City cred. Mummarts and Boggarts is the latest Zappa-like work from his No Cheez Orchestra, featuring the virtuosic work of Neuhauser, Fred Melillo (bass); Jason Gavin and Jeremy Shulick (drums); and Trisha Radil and Mike Yost (vocals). Thirteen well-recorded tracks feature spoken word, unusual time signatures, complex changes and heavy usage of doubling or harmonizing. For instance: the guitar might play a long, rapid-fire, seemingly improvised riff, which will be doubled (sometimes harmonized) by the bass, which will be mimicked rhythmically by the drums, which will underpin a two-part, scat-style, vocal harmony of seemingly nonsense syllables (lyrics included with CD). The whole effect can be powerful and mesmerizing; at times operatic and at times rocking and funky. The lyrics and attitude are clearly lefty (Noam Chomsky is credited as an inspiration), often funny and sometimes preachy. —James Velvet
Nocheez Orchestrra - Mummarts and Boggarts
No Cheez Orchestra again delivers an eclectic, progressive offering. Hoards of musical styles and the avant garde will be heard. In the words of one reviewer: Ronnie Neuhauser is a force of nature. In a world where a musician’s success seems to encourage compromise of both music and message, Ronnie thankfully pushes back hard. Mummarts and Boggarts, the latest release from his NO CHEEZ ORCHESTRA is an impressive musical statement from start to finish, the kind of recording best appreciated in one sitting, preferably with headphones or a kick-ass sound system. It makes you groove, it makes you smile, it makes you think. The musicianship, concept and recording quality of this project are all top shelf. This one won’t be leaving my car CD player for weeks.
Tony Di
Styrocultural Antidote - Stupid Like Cow - New Haven Advocate
Stupid Like Cow (No Cheez Records). For a 58-minute-long instrumental prog/jazz/avant-rock album, this is commendably approachable. The heads on these 10 songs are bright and tuneful, even when rhythmically slippery and tonally jagged, and the soloing is almost always melodic. There is deep structure at work in these pieces, which draws the listener in and keeps the ear occupied, and the vast majority of its passages fly by until suddenly the band is at an abstracted place far from the head, shot right off into space. Wherever it ventures, the trio always comes back home in what sounds like a natural manner. Neuhauser's scorched-earth guitar solos have great motion and Mike Perez's bass lines are full of caffeinated counterpoint; the band sounds like something larger than a trio. Some bits are more interesting in concept than in form ("Schizo Goes the Weasel" is probably best suited for musos, and the sonic splatter-painting "Spacial Utterances" exists best as a prop for the Noam Chomsky speech of which excerpts are included here), but the bulk of the album is as fun to listen to as it is to count to
Styrocultural Antidote - Live Music Reiew
New Haven Advocate Music Notes 12/19/02... Ronnie Neuhauser and his various "styrocultural" projects have been mindboggling area music-groovers since at least the early '90s. The Advocate's own Jennifer Dauphinais was drawn to Neuhauser's latest show, at the intimate Neverending Books space, and filed this report:
"I grew up around musicians, and I consider myself a pretty well-rounded fan, but I never got into Bitches Brew era Miles Davis (I tend to like his mellow ballads), though I genuflect at its place in music history. So last Friday I went to see Styrocultural Antidote at the Never Ending Bookstore knowing that I'm not a fan of that wacky geometric style. And it was hard for me to stay grounded among the graphic flitting of audio fractals that filled the room. The bass provided smooth, intense undulations like creamy pie filling, while group leader Ronnie Neuhauser's palette of effects made the guitar speak in tongues. They'd make a rapid shift or change just as I had gotten hold of the previous groove. These three guys are undoubtedly talented, and I couldn't figure out why they don't have a bigger fan base--like a national one.
"I kept a curious eye on the kids jumping around in the book-stocked part of the store. I kept catching the kids impersonating Ronnie by playing air guitar with their eyes closed and teeth clinched, waving their heads around. But they weren't self conscious at all about being noticed. If we were in a barely lit room, I might have done the same. It would be fun to see these guys play a large venue with a dance floor. Maybe then I would be able to move through the music and understand its feelings better."
Reviewed By Jennifer Dauphinais
Styrocultural Antidote - Live Music Review
Hartford Advocate Music Section 12/26/02... Ron Neuhauser, the guitarist for Styrocultural Antidote, doesn't speak much while on stage. Instead, he lets his guitar speak for him. And it speaks in a variety of voices, from the syncopated jargon of funk to the fiery language of a blistering solo and even in the almost regal tones of a twisted waltz. It's a highly evolved version of non-verbal communication that was not lost on the crowd. In fact, the band, which is also composed of bassist Mike Perez and drummer Fran Marante lets the music speak for them. There are no vocals. Instead, the band plays and lets the music communicate their message, which is one of pure musical bliss.
Reviewed by Thomas Pizzola