Tripping Over God

AMG Review of Tripping Over God

Glenn Astarita
All Music Guide

On this 1995 outing, futuristic guitarist David Torn plants some of the seeds for his soon-to-be-well-known mastery of EFX and studio processing techniques. With this effort, the artist multi-tracks guitar parts, loops, voice, percussion, bass, and all programming, as many of these pieces feature Torn's subdued vocal mantras atop disfigured chord voicings and East Indian modalities. Here, Torn melds worldbeat-style motifs into a palate consisting of atmospheric treatments, blitzing electric lead soloing, ostinato percussion grooves, and Hendrix-like wah-wah guitar lines. The guitarist frequently soars into the stratosphere via bent notes and variegated effects, while also utilizing an acoustic guitar in spots. Nonetheless, this production actuates a fascinating glimpse into Torn's distinct artistry and should be deemed essential listening for those who share his forward-thinking sentiments.