Tarantula A.D. - Book of Sand

Tarantula A.D. doesn't particularly want to rock. The band relies on some traditional rock instruments -- particularly a drum kit and electric guitars -- but there are also violins, cellos, pianos and other instruments that wouldn't be out of place in a chamber orchestra. Knowingly dramatic, Book of Sand comes across like an appropriately anachronistic soundtrack for some silent vampire movie. "The Century Trilogy I: Conquest" is about as approachable as The Book of Sand gets. In another life, this could've been the beginning of a metal song (minus the flamenco-inspired interlude in the middle). But here, it's the first of a three-part suite (the other two fall in the middle and at the end of the album). This does a good job of letting listeners know what they've signed up for. "Sealake" is the most straightforward of all the tracks here -- although with wavering, thin strings and hushed androgynous vocals. It's the one that resembles a pop song the most, which isn't to say it resembles a pop song much at all. At this point, it's apparent that Tarantula A.D. exists in its own reality. Any rock sensibilities are promptly abandoned on "Prelude to the Fall" and "The Lost Waltz," which are essentially modern classical. The band's ability to toy with listeners' preconceived notions is refreshing. By the time the final part of the "Century Trilogy" hits, in all its 10-minute, Devendra Banhart-featuring glory, it's going to be an impressive feat to have made it this far. Tarantula A.D. seems to understand its music isn't for everyone, and the band seems proud of it. The Book of Sand is worth it, however, even if just the novelty value is taken into account. It's an album that showcases a band that is unafraid to do what it wants and excels at it. [www.tarantulamusic.com]