In the '80s, The Big Boys were the perpetrators of a form of so-called "Mutant Rock" in Austin, Texas. Twenty years later, it seems that someone has induced the labor pains of what could be labeled "Futant Rock." While this messy placenta of jazz, anti-consumerism and oddball utilitarianism doesn’t have much in common with the Big Boys' pioneering punk, it certainly rears its head and lets out a cry that can't be ignored. The Futants are a blistering reminder that there are still some truly wacky genes floating about in the Austin music scene, and you're bound to come across them if you look (er...listen?) hard enough.

"Futant Rock" stops right at its name. This enigmatic octet prefers to deliver its namesake sound via a hefty horn section, precision percussion and conniving keys, creating some sort of living, jazz-influenced being. And while there are plenty of brooding bass clarinet lines and bopping sax bits, The Futants don't forget to inject an occasional freak-out, keeping your nerves tense and your eyes wide awake! Dueling horns break into a klezmer-styled party on "Flashing Swords and Scimitars", heralding a harried, minute-long track that's spunky enough to be showcased the next time one of my cousins has his Bar Mitzvah. Hang on there, goyim, cause this isn't one trick Judeo-culture-shock-schlock by any means. "The Diligent Sailor" invokes a cross between Roland Kirk and The Butthole Surfers, as throbbing bass lines make the connection with plenty of horn-inspired furor. "Kid on the Hill" sounds like a spy-thriller soundtrack, bumping along with a few drawling, sly trombone lines that mesh well with the rolling bass notes.

There may be some sort of jazz lifeform in Austin after all, as The Futants, along with a few other bands, are spearheading the exploration of the world of non-4/4 time! Unlike many bands, The Futants are able to show their suavity while still appealing to fans of the unruly madness that only jazz can create. You'd better prepare for the Futants' invasion -- there's not a lot of time left before you'll be completely buried by this band's lively energy, not to mention overwhelmed by their daring strikes at peculiar song structures. It's enlightening, exciting and most definitely electrifying!