Editorial Reviews Band Members: Victor Krummenacher - Vocals, guitar and bass As British music journalist Mick Dillingham puts it: "'Out In The Heat' is a masterpiece. Dusty, romantic and dark, lyrically intellectual and passionate, the playing is subtly complex and beautiful beyond words. Definitely the finest album to fall from the whole CVB/Monks family tree."
Out in the Heat
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At first listen, Victor Krummenacher's first solo release after leaving Camper Van Beethoven seems like a big departure from the irreverent, good-natured eclecticism of that group and the straight-on guitar assault of another of his bands, the Monks of Doom. But upon closer inspection it's clear that this is the record that he had been waiting to make. Out in the Heat is personal and introspective with an alternative-country and folk feel that recalls Son Volt and Whiskeytown. Originally recorded in '94 and '95, Krummenacher employs Great Laugh, a loose collection of diverse musicians and friends that includes Greg Lisher and Jonathan Segel of Camper and American Music Club's Bruce Kaphan. Like Camper, Krummenacher pulls from an extensive array of influences and instruments. Violins, keyboards, mandolins, and accordions are among the many instruments woven into these songs, but it's Kaphan's brilliant pedal- and lap-steel playing that gives this record its country feel. The big surprise here is Krummenacher's voice: dark, resonant, and full of the necessary longing to convey the heartbreak and honesty of the lyrics, it falls somewhere between John Cale (circa Vintage Violence) and Son Volt's Jay Farrar. --Paul Ducey
About the Artist
Former bassist for the legendary Camper Van Beethoven (1983-1990), Victor Krummenacher has been making records in various situations, including the Monks of Doom (1986-1993), and Eugene Chadbourne (1987-1991). He has been working on solo material for the last several years.
Chris Xefos - bass
Greg Lisher - guitar
Bruce Kaphan - pedal steel
El John - Drums
Mike Marshall - mandolin
Jonathan Segel - harmonium
Album Description
Krummenacher's first full length solo CD, featuring various recordings done both solo and with his next band, the notorious A Great Laugh, this album represents a real transformation of Victor's abilities as a songwriter. The recordings represent the transition of a longtime band member going solo as well as undergoing more than a few personal trials and tribulations, which is to say it was written during a "dark phase."