Dream Backwards

by C-Clamp

Overview

If Slint and Codeine had a baby, it might have sounded like C-Clamp, an indie rock band who became a fixture on the Chicago music scene of the 1990s. That said, just as a child doesn't choose to resemble its parents, C-Clamp had a strong enough individual personality that their surface similarities to other acts never suggested conscious imitation. C-Clamp's languid pace didn't blur the deliberate sense of direction in their music, and if the arrangements left plenty of space, the interplay between guitarist Tom Fitzgerald, bassist Nick Macri, and drummer Frantz Etienne boasted a precision and sense of adventure that drew in the listener and made clear very little in this band happened by chance. C-Clamp were one of hundreds (possibly thousands) of indie bands of the 1990s who created a strong and memorable recorded catalog that was heard by few people outside their own musical community, thanks to their inability to tour extensively, the great time and effort they put into writing and arranging their songs, and their label being capable of doing only so much to promote them, though they were always well regarded by their peers. Thankfully, Numero Group has given C-Clamp a second chance with 2023's Dream Backwards, which contains their two full-length albums (1995's Meander + Return and 1999's Longer Waves) along with non-LP single and EP sides, making nearly their entire repertoire available in one package. One thing that's a bit surprising about Dream Backwards is how consistent it is -- there are definite points where the band consciously shifts their direction, but C-Clamp knew what they wanted to do right out of the box and did it with commendable skill and focus, creating a style and confidently exploring what they could do with it over the course of nine years. As is typical of Numero Group releases, the remastering and packaging on Dream Backwards is first-class, and it includes a booklet full of rare photos and a richly detailed essay on the group's history, including contributions from all three members. C-Clamp wanted to be artists, not rock stars (though they probably wouldn't have minded greater commercial success), and Dream Backwards treats their recorded legacy with the respect and care that art truly deserves. If you're interested in the indie scene of the 1990s, this is a reissue you should explore. ~ Mark Deming

Product Details

Release Date:	12/08/2023
Label:	Numero
UPC:	0825764121910
Rank:	38736

Tracks

Disc 1

1. Passing
2. Ten Degrees Arc
3. Bats
4. A Stand Still
5. Glass Walls
6. / / / /
7. Fox and the Hound
8. Fox and the Hound
9. In Glory, In Wire
10. Daylight Savings

Disc 2

11. Meridian
12. Land Meets Sea
13. In Tow
14. Deep Green
15. Minnesota
16. Taste of Metal
17. Heavy Light
18. Heavy Light

Disc 3

19. Cah
20. Rinse
21. Soft
22. Ocean Pacifc
23. Saving Daylight
24. Shorty
25. Bats [All Saints Remix]
26. Passing [7" Version]

Album Credits

Performance Credits

C-Clamp   Primary Artist
Dave Trumfio   Moog Synthesizer
Steve Kooi   Bass

Technical Credits

Phil Bonnet   Engineer
Rick Valentin   Engineer
Ken Shipley   Reissue Producer
Rob Sevier   Reissue Producer
Jeff Lipton   Mastering
Mike Hagler   Engineer
Adam Luksetich   Project Manager
John Fuller   Design
C-Clamp   Composer
Andy Mueller   Design,Artwork,Photography
Dave Trumfio   Engineer
Maria Rice   Mastering
Erin Osmon   Liner Notes
Riley Manion   Production Coordination
Gwen Greenaway   Production Coordination
Jana Gautschy   Project Manager