Ball of Wax 36 Songs: Tuktu – “1. Tupilak Creation Song 2. Tupilak Walk”

I never saw prog coming (but then again, one never does). Tuktu‘s contribution to Ball of Wax 36 is an expansive, angular song titled “1. Tupilak Creation Song 2. Tupilak Walk.” And I’m pretty sure it’s prog, though I confess I’m a little light on a genre that spans the likes of the Moody Blues, Gentle Giant, Rush, Yes, and Dream Theater. There are definitely deliberate, extended instrumental parts, tempo changes, and lyrics that deal with ancient myth (in Tuktu’s case, Inuit myth). “1. Tupilak Creation Song 2. Tupilak Walk” is also over 7 minutes long and, you know, titled “1. Tupilak Creation Song 2. Tupilak Walk” so – pretty proggy. But, I also hear elements of the accented rhythms and more cerebral riffing of math rock bands like Don Caballero and Heavy Vegetable (and thus, a little Pinback). It’s tightly wound, intricate stuff – the dry, upfront lead vocals add a sense of purpose to the song, reinforcing the sense that these guys aren’t just dorking around with guitars and drums. A total, and welcome, curve ball brought to the shores of Ball of Wax thanks to the relentless curatorial efforts of Mr. Fuller.