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 Seid: Kosmos 7"
Apes of Glory: Demo 2003
When's the Future: Then
Dead Raven Choir: Wine, Women And Wolves
Various Artists: Further Adventures of the Telepathic Explorers
Tsurubami: Kaina
Birdtree: Orchards and Caravans
Miminokoto: Live
James Angell's Player: promo ep
Plan E: Best Kept Secret
Mr. Quimby's Beard: Live at Strange Daze 2001
Depressive Art: Gothic Country Songs for the Sorry Ones
Daze of the Underground. A Tribute to Hawkwind
Space Team Electra: The Vortex Flower
Black Forrest / Black Sea: S/T
Black Sun Ensemble: Starlight
Alien Heat: Awake in A Dream
Seid: Among The Mushroom Flowers Again
Sula Bassana: Sulatronics
Ruotomieli: Jos ei kruunu mahdu päähän, vuollaan pala otsaa pois
Alpha Omega: Electronic Mind Project
Zone Six: Zone Six
Ole Lukkoye: Dream of The Wind
Mandra Gora Lightshow Society: Lucille's Grotesque Diary of Her
Interstellar Journey to The Paisley...
Kamel: Promo CD 2003
Octopus Syng: All Beings Are Beautiful EP
Psycho Daisies: Snowflakes Falling on The International...
Bland Bladen: I Grevenstid
On Trial: Parchment Farm7"
Octopus Syng: Rainbow Coloured Mandala
Spiha: Tooth Helmet
Five Fifteen: The Sensational Five Fifteen
Elektrodiesel: The Summer Sessions in D#...
Zoffy: Zo Zo Zo Zo Zoffy!!!
Vibravoid/ Sula bassana: Phasenvoid/ Retronique split LP
Raw Jaw: Retrospective
Ektroverde: Ukkossalama
Rättö ja Lehtisalo: Kopernikus hortoilee näkinkengässä
Mannhai: Evil Under The Sun
Ian Eccles-Smith: Apsilene
James Angell: Private Player
Space Team Electra: The Intergalactic Torch Song
Kinski: Airs Above Your Station
Hainloose: Rosula
Ugh!: Metaustrat
Sun Zoom Spark: Electricity
Phosphene: Long Meadow Felt Company
Oggum: Yr Agog
DarXtar: Tombola
Sun Dial: Zen for Sale
Rahul Sakyaputra: The Denmark Sessions
Sergio: See Far & Fall
Markku Peltola: Buster Keatonin ratsutilalla
Los Natas: Toba-Trance
Black Sun Ensemble: Hymn of The Master
The Green Pajamas: Northern Gothic
Mountain Mirrors: Voices
FüXA: The Modified Mechanics of This Machine
The Telescopes: Third Wave
Los Planetos Del Aguan: Too Many Bricks And Not Enough Sea
Paine: Dioxidetunnel with a Red-light and Endless Feeling CD-EP
Anton Barbeau: "King of Missouri"
Kliniczny: "Solis E.P."
Keith Christmas: "Acoustica"
Preesens: "Insomnia EP"
Tulva compilation 2: "Tässä me uimme, tätä me juomme"
Baby Woodrose: "Money for Soul"
Gas Giant: "Mana"
Colour Haze: "Los Sounds De Krauts"
Jet Jaguar: Free Space
Siniaalto: "Siniaalto"
Acid Mothers Temple and The Melting Paraiso U.F.O.: "Live in Japan"
Eturivi: "Ylhäisten kastien kelvottomat jälkeläiset"
Acid Mothers Temple and The Melting Paraiso U.F.O.: "In C"
Ole Lukkoye: "Horse-Tiger"
Kangaroo Moon: "Between Two Worlds"
On Trial: Blinded by The Sun
Acid Mother Temple & The Melting Paraiso U.F.O: St. Captain Freak Out And The Magic Bamboo Request
Circle: Alotus
Kuusumun Profeetta: Jatkuvasti maailmaa pelastamaan kyllästynyt supersankari
Jens: Standing in The Trees I Get Lifted by The Leaves
The Spacious Mind: Live Volume One: Do Your Thing But Don't Touch Ours, Skognäs 26/10/99
SEID
Kosmos 7"
35G Records (35G014)
Seid from Norway travels towards the centre of the cosmos with their new,
fantastic single. On the side A you can find "Meet The Spacemen" that is
a fast space rock piece about an encounter with the aliens. You can also
download a funny video of the track from the group's home page. A fine composition
that makes your foot move and your brain bubble. It has everything you can ask
for from a great psych song: good melody, far-out lyrics and a middle part that
explodes your head. The organs bring in some 60's mood. "Do As You're Told"
on the flipside is a bit more modest track, but that works great, as well.
Sounds like late 60's/early 70's progressive heavy psych. I absolutely recommend
getting this seven inch while waiting for the next Seid album.
You can order this little red disc for example directly from the record company 35grecords.fupp.net.
Check out the band's home page too at www.kosmonautes.com.
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APES OF GLORY
Demo 2003
Apes of Glory is a new band featuring Burt Rocket and Janus from Tronheim-based Seid
along with trash metal drummer Alessandro Elide (Manifest) and Hammonguru Haakon
Marius Pettersen (Fuckface). According to their own words, the band plays a mix
of psychedelic hard rock and 70's prog. This description is pretty accurate all right.
There are three tracks on this demo, first of which is a spacey, heavy blast called
"Spaceride". Its riff brings to mind "Stormbringer" by Deep Purple. Heavy guitars
and nice keyboards. "Center of The Universe" gets closer to Monster Magnet, especially
what comes to the vocals. The track also has some nice Mellotron sounds and a Hammond solo.
The last piece "Into The Mountain" is a rather slow, heavy grunge-influenced track,
possibly the least psychedelic and therefore also the least inspiring in my opinion...
But still pretty OK. If you're interested, you can listen to all the tracks at the
band's web site www.listen.to/apesofglory. I feel that we're going to hear from these
chaps again, since this sounds pretty damn good to me...
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WHEN`S THE FUTURE
Then
Stone Premonitions (SPCD040)
Wow, this is absolutely one of the best and most psychedelic albums of the year 2003!
You can find almost everything you could possibly want from a psychedelic rock album:
marvellous, very groovy rock songs, really far-out mind-expanding parts, modern
computer-made electronic beats and sounds, weird samples, space sounds, tribal
stuff with percussion and didgeridoo, wind instruments, good vocals and the list
goes on and on... This CD is a real trip, and this kind of sensory overload might
just be too much for some people. Personally, what I like the best are the actual
band tracks, like the excellent opener "Land of Milk and Money", "Psilocype Astral Glide",
"Cop Out Dood" and the last, even funky track "It All Goes Back to The Sea". On these
tracks there are some obvious Hawkwind and Gong influences, among other things.
The male vocals and guitar work sound in fact very much like Dave Brock, from time
to time...which is not a bad thing in any way. The album is very well produced,
so you just can help liking it, if you're into modern psychedelia and space rock.
The album does need several listening times before the really versatile whole starts
to take shape. Thanks a lot for Stone Premonitions and this British band featuring
Krom Lek members for this amazing experience! www.aural-innovations.com/stonepremonitions/.
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DEAD RAVEN CHOIR
Wine, Women and Wolves
Last Visible Dog (LVD 052)
Phew, this is a rather strange album. Originally Polish,
but now living in Texas, a guy called Smolken has been
able to get his first proper CD out. Prior to this, he
has released over a dozen CD-R's. Almost every title of
his products seems to be associated with the wolves, so
he might be some kind of wolf freak... Smolken, who has
Polish folk as influence, among other things, and
death metal background, has a habit of lending texts
from famous poets and writers, and then recite these
with his unique accent. There has also been a female
singer on some of the releases, for example. On this
album, Smolken is joined by Glenn Donaldson, but I don't
know what he's doing. This is quite theatrical stuff,
and not very musical, I think. The narration, often in
whispering, is accompanied by occasional sounding, sparse
and non-rhythmical hits by different acoustic instruments.
In this way, a rather dark atmosphere is created.
Who likes it, well that's another issue. I doubt I'll
listen to this very often, but I must admit that this
has some kind of magic of its own. Check out the
fellow's home page, if you're interested: wolves.tamu.edu/news.html.
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Various Artists:
FURTHER ADVENTURES OF THE TELEPATHIC EXPLORERS
Free City Media (FRDC005)
This is a sequel to last year's compilation called The International League of Telepathic Explorers
(check out my review).
Nick Bensen from Free City Media openly admits being addicted to melodic 60's inspired
psych rock wit wild guitars, and this is what we get here, as well. There are actually
surprisingly few same artists involved now than last time. Nick still decided to put the
artists in alphabetical order. Aquarion Poppers is now called AqPop, and again opens
the album with a nice pop track. Then follows Anton Barbeau's "Motor" that is going to
be on the Canadian version of his marvellous "King of Missouri" album that will be put
out by Bongobeat Records. The track doesn't really match with the best stuff on the album,
but you can't really complain when The Bevis Frond are acting as a backing band. Nick Bensen
himself performs the track "Summit" with Jeff Sanders from Mountain Mirrors. Quite oppressive
track and I don't really seem to get inside it. Then it's time for some Bevis Frond, and what
we get is "Under London Wall", apparently played (and wanked on!) by Nick Saloman by himself.
I don't know about you, but I'd always rather hear one rusty, honest demo by this fellow
than 100 ultra hi-fi sounding mainstream hits. The Bitter Little Cider Apples have been
able to squeeze in a bit harder song than last time. "Butter Face Down" is almost fast
punk pop; a nice track. Our old friends Dipsomaniacs come next with their track "Freedom Candy".
For me, The God Box was the most pleasant new acquaintance: Limo from Shiny Gnomes, Fit and Limo
and Discolor gives us a very great song with his new band. "Student of Astrology" is a celestial
composition with mellotrons and nice vocals! Then we'll get to the brain-frying acid/punk/garage/stoner
rock of The Heads. The group speaks out about things that worry them in a live version of "Stodgy
(The Coke's Gone Flat)" This is heavier stuff than last time, thanks Nick! Next we've got under
two minutes of The Impossible Shapes, then trancey "Just a Domino" by the Kable. The Lucky Bishops
are with us again, now with their fine track "She's Breaking Up". In the end it gets
rather psychedelic. Patric Porter's "A Better Thing" is a peaceful ballad, and then we
go for a real trip with Sh'mantra from Australia. What follows is "What Do You Want?" by
The Sunshine Fix Electric Blues Band .Troll is another, very nice new acquaintance on
this album. "Shattered Venus" is absolutely marvellous psych song by this cosmic union
from San Francisco. I'm also very happy that Joe Turner carried on making music after
Abunai disbanded, because his number "Turn Me Upside Down" is an excellent three and
a half minutes of magic mushroom vibes. I think that this compilation is maybe a bit
more uneven as a whole than the previous ...Telepathic Explorers, but on the other hand
this one has a few better songs than its predecessor. I've now listened to the album
more than 10 times, and it still gets better every time. In addition, all the tracks
are previously unreleased or rare. This leads to a conclusion, that also this CD is
an essential part of any modern but 60's styled psych fan's collection.
www.freecitymedia.com.
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TSURUBAMI
Kaina
Last Visible Dog (LVD-023)
This is a re-release of an album that was originally released on CD-R. Tsurubami is formed
of Acid Mothers Temple freaks Kawabato Makoto (guitar) ja Higashi Hiroshi (bass). The drums
are beaten by Emi Nobuko. Over half an hour long track ("Hitsumyou O Gotoshite") starts the
album. For the first ten minutes we are carried only by a silent, ambient drone before the
drums join in. Very hallucinatory and ethereal track! The second track "Kujiru" that was
recorded live is ten minutes of extreme sonic assault in form of chaotic, distorted noise.
If the whole gig was like this, the listeners had a lot to cope with... It does give a good
contrast to the previous soundscapes, though. On this version, there's also a bonus track
"Kujiru" which was recorded autumn 2002 at Acid Mothers Temple and is a nice hybrid of
the first two tracks. This means that there's more going on than on the first one, but
it doesn't get into insane noise. This, about 13 minutes long work is, in a way, the best
track on the CD. The music on the whole album is totally improvised, and no overdubs were used.
Rather interesting stuff and I can recommend this to the AMT collectors and those into
experimental, improvisation-based music.
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BIRDTREE
Orchards and Caravans
Last Visible Dog (LVD041)
Orchards and Caravans is a CD full of wonderful, primitive and home-made acid folk and
weird sound collages. Glenn Donaldson from San Francisco is the man almost solely responsible
for the album. It was originally released on CD-R by the mystic Jewelled Antler collective,
of which Donaldson is part of. Luckily it has now been properly re-released by Last Visible Dog.
This music is very suitable for dreaming and transports the listener into another, strange world.
Some of the instruments to be found on this CD include guitars, bouzuki, banjo, keyboards and
also drums on one track. Glenn's vocals are very pleasant to hear, and very go well with
very beautiful, sad parts. The tracks are quite short, but the whole album works well with
closed eyes and forms a soundtrack to the journey to the inner sanctum of the mind.
I must add that I really like the album's cover art. This is worth checking out, as well
as the other releases by last Visible Dog. You can order them at a reasonable price from
their web site at www.lvd.4mg.com. They are soon also releasing a live CD by Pharaoh Overlord,
recorded at Psychotropic Zone club.
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JAMES ANGELL`S PLAYER
Promo EP
I was first introduced to the singer/songwriter James Player's first solo CD
(check out my review at private player)
through King Black Acid, since KBA's guitarist/singer Daniel Riddle also plays in JAP.
Now Angell has recorded some new songs, and three of them were put on this promo CD EP.
I bet the meaning of this EP is to get a bit bigger record companies interested, and
I can't see any reason why they shouldn't. His music is, after all, rather easy to digest,
catchy and modern melancholic pop, although spiced with some clearly psychedelic elements.
You can hear some influences for example by The Beatles (mostly on the first track on this EP)
and Bowie. There's also some more electronic stuff in the form of programmed drums and
sequencers. John's voice and piano play the most important role in every track, anyway.
The best track on the EP in my opinion is the excellent opener called "The Ballad of Liz
and Richard". The second track "Hiding in Plain Sight" is rather slow and mellow. The last
one "I Followed Myself to NYC" has the most obvious electro influences. It's a rather fast
and a very fine song. I really hope that James will be able to break through to the bigger
audience; his great music really deserves it. www.jamesangell.com.
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MIMINOKOTO
Live
Last Visible Dog (LVD048)
Miminokoto from Tokyo is a rather unknown psychedelic trio. Their music is
similar to the first Fushitsusha, Shizuka and White Heaven, says the web
site of Last Visible Dog (lvd.4mg.com). With guitar, vocals, bass
and drums the band is able to create psych that is rather easy to digest,
we don't have to deal with the worst noise-experimental attacks. The vocals
and track titles are in Japanese, which adds to the exotic level, and is the
reason why I won't mention the titles here. At least on this gig the band
seems to have had three kinds of songs: wild and exploding rock blasts,
beautiful slow ones, and improvisational doodlings. All these form a nice whole.
The guys are skilled players; especially the guitarist is very convincing.
The album is also okay sound wise, although we can't really talk about
a hi-fi experience. This is worth to check out, if you're into Japanese psych.
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PLAN E
Best Kept Secret
Promo (PLAPRO1)
Plan E was founded in 1995 by Jani Lehtosaari who lives in Oulu. He's got connections to
Impaled Nazarene and Terveet Kädet, for example. I've heard some of the early recordings
by the band at my friend's place, and they sounded pretty interesting, although I never
bought any of them. The most characteristic thing of this band might be the fact that
there's no guitar player. Clean and distorted bass take care of this department quite
well, but occasionally I do miss the guitar. Best Kept Secret is rather synth-driven album.
The music is a bit hard to describe, but it's very moody, usually quite slow, gloomy and
even gothic. At times I'm reminded by some of the New Wave bands like Joy Division. There
are quite a lot of melodies, which males this music more interesting. This is not psychedelia
par excellence, but it is weird all right. There are also some odd sound effects from time
to time adding to the weird factor. Lehtosaari plays bass and keyboards on the album, as
well as sings with his dark, a bit grinding voice. The voice in itself is well suitable
for this music, but his accent needs some getting used to. Sir Luttinen and Heikki Haataja
play the drums. I think that the best tracks are the opener, a bit mystic "Fool" and the
melancholic, slow "Shadow in the Dark" that has some great melodies. The album requires
a few listening times (at least with the uninitiated) before it starts to open, but after
that it gives you a chance to be sentimental. There are some samples on the group's net
page at www.plan-e-tarium.com, check it out!
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MR. QUIMBY`S BEARD
Live at Strange Daze 2001
Strange Recordings (SR 1015)
Mr. Quimby's Beard is absolutely one of the most interesting modern psychedelic bands.
There are some obvious 70's (especially Hawkwind) influences in their sound, but their
music still sounds sort of timeless. They're not in the heaviest space rock league,
but they make more melodic, tender and more emotional songs that still keeps you going.
Jim from Strange Trips organized a US tour for them with Harvey Bainbridge, and this
gig recorded at the Strange Trips festival also includes two tracks by Harvey (the opener
"Prologue" and the last track "Epilogue"). The other tracks are "Shrouded in Mystery",
"Darkness", "Mystery", "The Calling of The Clans", "Nebulae", "Travelling",
"Marijuana Nightmare", "Chariots" and "Beyond The Light". Several of these are
available as studio versions on "The Definitive Unsolved Mysteries of..." CD that
should be found from any psychedelic home. This CD-R proves that MQB is an excellent
live band, who can well evoke the same magical atmosphere as on their albums. The playing
works very well, and they can create a good unity of keyboards, sequencers, effects and
basic rock band. The group is some times very mind-expanding, and occasionally you can
sense the effects of magic mushrooms very strongly... When even the sound is very good,
you should really order this album right away from www.strange-trips.com. The price is
10$ + 4$ for postage to Europe. You can also get live CD-R's by Anubian Light and Farflung
from the same address, both featuring Nik Turner and including Hawkwind tracks among others.
Also available is a Harvey Bainbridge live, and this is hot stuff in the hands of all those
who like more electronic space
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DEPRESSIVE ART
Gothic Country Songs for the Sorry Ones
Demo
This is a new Swedish band playing melodic, melancholic psych pop in the 60's spirit.
The band was formed by the singer Klas Bohlin, who used to be in a band called Beseech.
This three-tracker that comes in a very nice package was recorded to get the band
a record deal. I hope that this proves successful, since I like the band a lot.
The music sounds like a softer version of The Soundtrack of Our Lives, so I really
think the band might became pretty popular. Klas's voice is rather dark and emotional,
on the second track ("A Summer Day to Me") he sounds a bit like Leonard Cohen for a while.
I like all the three tracks on this demo, but the first, beautiful "United Cosmos" with
very catchy chorus is probably the best one. This sounds like their first hit single.
The last track "Satisfied by Greed" is also very sad and pretty with some cello. The overall
instrumentation includes drums, bass, acoustic guitar, lead guitar and organ. Watch out for
this great new band, and while waiting for their first album you can listen to this demo at www.depressiveart.com.
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DAZE OF THE UNDERGROUND
A Tribute to Hawkwind
Godreah Records (FAFF03CD)
First of all, I must confess that Hawkwind is my favourite group... So it was
obvious that I've been waiting anxiously for this tribute that is first one
officially approved by the band. Earlier there has been one a bit more unofficial
tribute (Assassins of Silence, Hundred-watt Violence) released on CD and as a
stylish double vinyl. www.godreah.com is specialized in metal, but it's nice that
they also have enthusiasm towards space rock. Daze of the Underground is quite big
package (2CD, 27 tracks) full of great bands playing their versions of the superb
songs by the best band in the Universe, so you just have to like this album! There
are also a few metal bands (The Meads of Asphodel, The Enchanted, Amorphis and
Acid King's slow doom version of "Motorhead"), involved, which is okay, although
I might have left out the first two. The Meads... track also includes Huw Lloyd-Langton
and Alan Davey, with whom they are to release a split album. Both fellows also appear
on the CD with their own bands. Also other HW dudes have been recruited. The album
begins with an excellent version of "Spirit of the Age" by Tim Blake, and this is
maybe the best track. In addition, there's also "Acid House of Dreams" by Harvey Bainbridge.
This version was constructed by his son. Other highlights include a heavy and psychedelic
version of "Paradox" by Litmus, "Levitation" by Amorphis (from their My Kantele MCD),
"Robot" by Farflung maintaining well the original, dark spirit, Alpha Omega's "Reefer Madness"
(more psych than the original!), ST37's "Orgone Accumulator" and the beautiful but a bit sterile
"High Rise" by Spirits Burning. I must also mention the deranged version of a lesser known
"Don't Understand" by Circle and a rather different version of "You Know You're Only Dreaming"
by the Japanese freaks Acid Mothers Temple. Also "The Watcher" by DarXtar pleases the ear very
much; I only hope that the boys will play that at our club on 30.10.! There are no completely
useless tracks on the album, and you can easily pick up some new bands to follow. The booklet
is very nice, featuring a short HW history (with a few mistakes) and info and pictures of all
the bands included. As a whole this is fine unity, and a must-have for all Hawkwind fans.
If everything goes well, there might be a sequel in the near future...
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SPACE TEAM ELECTRA
The Vortex Flower
Luminous Records (LR-02-2))
This is the first CD by American band Space Team Electra from
a few years back. I just recently got a copy, and felt that even
though it's quite old now, it's still very good and worth the review.
This album was produced by Keith Cleversley, who is well known for
his work with The Flaming Lips, Spiritualized, Mercury Rev and others.
S.T.E. have a gift of making songs that are heavy, melodic and psychedelic
at the same time. The Vortex Flower reminds me of Reflecter by Sundial.
The guitars are usually very heavy, blazing and strong on choruses, but
rather ethereal and beautiful during the verses. The band also has some
rather hypnotic qualities. There are a lot of amazing songs on the CD
but my favourites include "Shadow" (with VERY powerful end part!) "Dazzle"
(the potential "hit song" for sure) and the most psychedelic track "Helios".
If you're into guitar-driven poppy but heavy indie rock with excellent
female vocals you should really check this album out. Excess volume and
altered states recommended, but not required, as the CD's back cover says.
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BLACK FOREST / BLACK SEA
S/T
Last Visible Dog (LVD 049) / Secret Eye (AB-OC-08)
This American duo plays melancholic, plain and psychedelic crossbreeding
of folk and camber music. The group is formed of Jeffrey Alexander
(guitar etc.) and Miriam Goldberg (cello, vocals etc.). This is their
first album (just over 30 minutes long), before this they we're involved
in The Invisible Pyramid compilation that also included the Finnish Avarus,
among others. B. F./B. S creates very atmospheric, dark music with very
few instruments, and their music would be very suitable for the soundtrack
to some art movie. In fact, they have been involved in a film project.
Soundwise they have a rather lo-fi approach, and have been backed with
for example some ancient drum machine and radio noise. The album is mostly
instrumental, only on two tracks ("Sevastopol" and "Beautiful Here") we
get to hear the celestial voice of Miriam. So, the most important instruments
are guitar (acoustic and electric) and cello, but there's also some saxophone,
for example ("Sunday Market"). My favourite track is maybe the last, long drone
called "Lump in Throat", where the band succeeds in creating an unbelievable
atmosphere. Jeffrey and Miriam have also gigged quite a lot, and are coming
for an European tour early in 2004. They will also play at our club on the
31st of January along with Kemialliset Ystävät, so feel welcome to check
them out! More info can be found from www.blackforestblacksea.com.
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BLACK SUN ENSEMBLE
Starlight
Camera Obscura (CAMO59CD)
Do I dare to say, that B.S.E. have made their best album yet!? It's now certain,
that the new line-up is definitely a real band, and not just some new guys helping
out maestro Jesus Acedo (guitars, vocals) with the recordings. Eric Johnson (bass,
drums, vocals, guitars, moog), Joseph Graves (vocals, percussions, bass) and Brian
Maloney (saxophone, guitar) have also been writing the songs along with Mr. Acedo.
Otto Terrorist plays the drums and percussions, and there are also some guests on
a couple of tracks. There are 11 tracks on the CD, five of which also featuring
vocals, so we can't really talk about instrumental music anymore. The vocals also
work very well now, better than ever before. The lyrics are totally mystic and
hallucinatory all the way, and that's great. Starlight is in its entirety clearly
a better package than its predecessor, and the reborn band have found their own
sound and spirit. The opener of the album, "Jewel of The Seven Stars", is a long,
raga-like acoustic-driven and rather slow instrumental. A good track that gets
you interested. In "Loki's Monstrous Brood" the full distortion kicks in, and
the going gets at times quite tough in a space rock style. The mid-tempo "I Am
I Was" is a bit more characteristic for B.S.E., although this is where the
singing starts. Rather progressive. "Arabic Satori" starts very slowly with
Fender Rhodes. The style changes into a bit more oppressive, and the stream-
of-consciousness vocals start. In the end they take it very easy again. Then
follows one of the best tracks "Angel of Light" that is a very well defined
one with heavy riff and without any unnecessary gimmickry. Then they speed
up to almost speed metal with a number called "The Lycian", but in addition
to the fast part there's also a heavy, dismal chromatic descent. "Tralaine"
is a welcome acoustic relief. "Mascara Moon" has some great solos, and is
a relatively heavy instrumental. "Sun Beam Angel" is very close to a ballad,
beautiful vocals on this one. "Remedios Rising" is one of my personal
favourites on the CD: a very slowly starting peyote trip. The saxophone
gives some pleasant jazzy tones, and the end is really ethereal. The last
track "Starlight" with its Egyptian mood brings to mind the Sphynx-Xitintoday
album by Nik Turner. The flute adds some more colours in a very nice way.
This is an odd track with really psychedelic lyrics. All in all, this album
is an excellent combination of demonic powers and angels! Get it.
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ALIEN HEAT
Awake in A Dream
Fonal Records (FR-27)
This album have been long awaited with devotion... There has been some whispering from
around Pori that this will be the next big thing in Finland. There's not that much
info available about the band, but I heard that they were looking for a record
company already in 1997, so this is not really a new thing. The main figure of
the band is Teemu Elo (Ektroverde, ex-Circle, ex-Office Building), who plays
guitars and sings on the album. Veli Nuorsaari, who also plays in Kuusumun Profeetta,
plays the drums and percussions. Risto Puukko plays bass, Heikki Uimanen guitar.
In addition, there are two female singers and a flute player on the album.
Somebody also plays a bit of keyboards on a few occasions. The music of
Alien Heat might be categorised as mystical psych-pop-folk. Their music
is not overtly psychedelic, though. Some of the tracks are cheerful and
more up-tempo, others very melancholic. Acoustic guitars and vocals play
the most important role most of the time. The mood is similar to a lot of
early 70's folk rock bands, for example Magna Carta comes to mind from
time to time. "Midnite St." is a bit faster, poppy song and has some hit
potential, also including a nice Hawkwindish "space craft take-off" effect.
"Silvery Dream" is a slow and sad track with Celtic mystery and beautiful
female singing. A very fine track! "Blinded" is a short and pretty one,
reminding me a bit of "Julia Dream" by Pink Floyd. One of the strongest
tracks is the very catchy "Lord of The Royal Dragonflies". It also has
great lyrics, and that goes for the whole album, in fact. One of the best
tracks is also "For a Girl", and it is the heaviest, as well. There are
no fillers among the 10 tracks on this CD, and the whole album is extremely
pleasant experience, and you can listen to it a lot of times. Even the
covers are look really great, and are very suitable for the music.
Please come and check what they are like live at Psychotropic Zone
Club on 29.11.2003! www.fonal.com.
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SEID
Among The Mushroom Flowers Again
LuftWaffel Records (WAF001)
Seid is a Norwegian group playing weird, psychedelic grunge-space rock with plenty of keyboards,
sitars etc. The A.T.M.G.A. album that was released in 2002, is their first full-length; prior
to that they have released a few 7"'s. I have to admit that the music these boys play is
pretty strange. I can't really make any comparisons to other bands, I'm sorry. But on the
other hand, that means that they make very original music! And very good music, as well.
There is a lot of different stuff on the album, but I do like all the tracks. At times
they go very fast ("Fire Song"), but there are also some peaceful and meditative parts
on the album. The band has taken influences for example from Balkan folk music
(funny wind instruments!), which adds a lot of originality to their experimental,
progressive music. The analogue synths create a lot of very nice space sounds... Wow!
There are good riffs, beautiful melodies and deep emotional states to be found on the CD.
The musicians do they work very well. On the basis of this, I must say that this band is
worth checking out! Let's try to get the band to play in Finland, as well. Here's a testimony
of a one eyewitness of their gig: "Electric winds of analogue synthesizers, cool guitar riffs
and dancing bass lines, alien flow in from other cosmos, there is life on other planets!!",
(Halden Studentavis, Norway, 11.9.02). You can find their web site at: www.kosmonautes.com.
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RUOTOMIELI
Jos ei kruunu mahdu päähän, vuollaan pala otsaa pois
Mielilevyt (MILE 02)
 This is the first full-length by Ruotomieli from Oulu. These young boys play
their grotesque rock with great energy and enthusiasm. The cover gives you
the impression, that the music would be more psychedelic than it really is.
The boys do play rather nice and relatively heavy music, anyway. When listening
to the album, these things come to my mind: Mana Mana-old Finnish pop-garage-
Neil Young-The Doors-Hassisen Kone/Sielun Veljet-Popeda-The Who. I guess this
is some kind of retro rock, but with strong dose of the melancholy and melody
of traditional Finnish pop. They have used some acoustic guitar, as well as
organs and synth, and there's also some mouth-harp and piano on one fast
rock'n'roll track ("Köyhän pojan paluu -blues"). The singer has a great
and strong voice, suitable for tender pop moods, and also for raw screaming.
Special mention must also go to the partially excellent, wild guitar solos.
The best track i.m.h.o. is (of course!) "Yksinäisen aikamatkaajan kosminen
blues" ("The Cosmic Blues of The Lonely Time-traveller" in English) that is
rather spacey, fine instrumental. I wish the band would make more this kind
of stuff! You can order the album for 10€'s from the band at: www.ruotomieli.net.
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ALPHA OMEGA
Electronic Mind Project
Alpha Omega (Alpha001)
 This trio claims to be originally from another planet, but they have taken Brisbane,
Australia, as their earthly base. These aliens play heavy space rock in the Hawkwind-
Dr. Hasbeen-ST37-Pressurehed-Spacehead style. This is their first album and proves,
that space rock is alive and well down under. The album starts with a dark, demonic
intro, followed by a rather peacefully starting track called "Black Hole Approaching".
It soon gets heavier, great stuff. Then we are treated with a pretty, slow number
"Cold Light Years" that reminds me of DarXtar. "Void Part I" is maybe the most 70's
Hawkwind styled track, a bit like "It's so Easy". "Void Part II" is a roller á la
Pressurehed, "The Moment" on the other hand sounds somewhat like Robert Calvert
solo stuff from the 80's, especially the effected vocals. A very nice song with
a pretty end part. "Pivate Hell" is heavy again, and one of the best tracks.
This one again has some Hawkwind feel to it, and an oriental solo part in the
middle. "Scratching in Stone" rocks in the '78 Hawkwind vein, and the following
"Mystique" is, as the title suggests, a very mystic and psychedelic, electronic
ambient piece. The epic last track "Space Pilot" is the longest and in my opinion
the best song on this CD. An instant space rock classic! The band play very well
together, and they also have a nice quantity of electronics and sweeping synths
on board. The lyrics are suitably corny, cosmic tales that fit well into this
kind of music. You can also soon download for free a great live show from last
year's Terra Australis space rock festival, if you go to their web site at
//novymir.com.au/alphaspace/. You can buy Electronic Mind Project for
example from Aural Innovations or Cranium.
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ZONE SIX
Early Birds
(EB001)
 Zone Six is
a German psych band that plays relatively peaceful, improvisation-based music.
This very mind-expanding album was released as early as 1998, but I just recently
got a copy from Dave Schmidt (Sula Bassana). In this group, Dave plays bass,
synths and mellotron, Jodi, the female singer of the band, has a very beautiful
and clear voice, which gives the album much more nuance. Acid guitar is played
by H.P., and drums and keyboards by Claus. There are 13 tracks on the album,
and they form a nice, flowing whole. This might well be the soundtrack to your
best mushroom trip. There are a lot of hallucinatory elements on the CD, and
it's well suited for relaxed meditation and inner space travelling. There are
only some heavier moments, and the mood is tender and mystic all the way.
Even the cover tells a lot about the nature of this material. So, this is
a guaranteed good trip... I'm not sure, if the album still is available, but
I guess you could as directly from Dave: sula@sulabassana.de.
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SULA BASSANA
Sulatronics
Self released CD-R
 This is a release by Sula Bassana (Dave Schmidt, Ex-Liquid Visions, Zone Six...)
featuring high quality electronic music. There arefive tracks on the album and
it's about 45 minutes long. Sula is known from his work in the field of
psychedelic rock, so it's very interesting to notice, that he also masters
electronic machine music. He has used almost only synthesizers (Roland, Moog,
Korg, EMU), computer and machine drums on the album, but there are also some
treated guitar, voices and flute on one track ("Paranoid?). The fellow himself
compares this album to Tangerine Dream, Philip Glass and Kraftwerk, but to me
this is a bit more modern stuff. The overall mood of the album is very ambient
in nature. The first track "Wo Bin Ich...?" is airy and melodic and rather rhythmic.
An extremely nice piece, and the piano thing in the middle gives a bit jazzy feel to it.
"Space Taxi" is hypnotic sequence jingling, "Gefuehlsknoten" is over eleven minutes
long ambient trip without any rhythm. "Paranoid?" is a long, psychedelic track with
only some light rhythm. "Wegbeam" is a very nice ending to this great album that was
recorded during the 90's. If you like psychedelic electro that gets you in a trance,
contact Dave at sula@sulabassana.de. You won't get this album from anywhere else!
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OLE LUKKOYE
Dream of The Wind
(Fünfundvierzig 138)
 The German Lollipop Shop is specialised in releasing extraordinary music
from exotic places, mostly bands from Eastern Europe, like Korai Öröm.
Ole Lukkoye from St. Petersburg fits well in the company's style.
Dream of The Wind includes the band's early recordings from 1989-1991.
I've so far only heard the two latest studio albums by the band, and
I've enjoyed very much their shamanistic and psychedelic atmosphere.
On this CD that was originally released by the band itself in a very
limited edition, the basic essence of the group is already there.
The album features good, almost totally instrumental shaman chill out music.
Dream of The Wind is more sterile than their recent material that has
more real instruments, as well. Most of the tracks on this album are
rather ambient in nature and rather minimalist. In addition to Russia,
there are also some ethnic influences from like example China (on "China").
"Ikar's Flyte" gets pretty proggy, it could almost be from an early 80's
King Crimson album. The same track is also included as a bonus video.
"Gates" is one of the best tracks, also featuring some human voice,
rhythms and fine bass playing. "Slow Fire" is a peaceful, small-scale track,
being psychedelic in a shamanistic way. One of my favourites is the slow
"Frozen City" that has some dub rhythms, female vocals and Slavic melancholy.
It's interesting to hear so early material by this excellent band,
but I do prefer the latest albums. Dream of The Wind is available
from www.lollipopshop.de at the ridiculous price 10 euro!
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MANDRA GORA LIGHTSHOW SOCIETY
Lucille's Grotesque Diary of Her
Interstellar Journey to The Paisley Dungeons of The Psychotic
Leathernuns: 2000 and 10 Fairytales from The Acid Drenched Brain
of The Mandra Gora Lightshow Society, Dedicated to All Those Who
Only Fly by Night and Die by Daylight, Brothers and Sisters, We
Must Not Desert One Another, Our Time Will Come Again and We Shall
Rule This Earth and Rise to The Stars in Glory and Triumh, Spreading
Intergalactic Chaos and Psychotic Love Throughout The Galaxy...
(Fünfundvierzig 138)
 Phew, this must be the longest album title I've ever seen... Nowadays,
there are as many fantastic German psych bands out there as there are
mushrooms after the rain, and MGLS is one of the best. They've got
Shiva and Teonanactl as spiritual advisers, and you can really hear
that... Pretty far-out stuff, I mean. Especially the band's latest
full-length Beyond The Mushroom Gate is a glorious trip into the
depths of mind. Now they have released a compilation album, including
rare and unreleased tracks from their career. Some of the tracks are
from compilation releases, some from singles and some from the secret
archives. So, even if you had all the rare vinyl releases of the band,
this CD is a good buy. There are also some guests on the album. The first
track "Love Dies" builds up slowly with some hissing and slide guitar by
Matmosphere. Nikki Sudden from Jacobites contributes to the fine and
beautiful version of the track "Big Store", and the album ends in
a magnificent way with a live jam, recorded at the Hamburg Hawkfan
meeting, called "Floating at The Gate of Dawn", featuring Nik Turner.
One of the highlights is an excellent version of the Pink Floyd number
"Point Me at The Sky". "She Said She Went to Art School because at Home
No One Ever Treated Her Like Princess" is also one of the best songs,
including some nice Pink Floyd mood in the middle. In addition, I could
mention one unreleased, nice, surf/space instrumental "Put All Space into A Nutshall",
consisting of nine short sci-fi inspired songs. The MGLS sound is very
much in the 60's style. Hammond organ and psychedelic effects play an
important role. The music is pretty progressive, as well. If you haven't
heard this great band before, this compilation is a good starting point. www.mandra-gora.de
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KAMEL
Promo CD 2003
Itsejulkaistu CD-R EP
 Because there were no desert rock bands worth noticing in Lahti,
these guys decided to gather up their biggest amplifiers and
found Kamel. So, this quintet plays steady desert/heavy rock
petty much with a sort of Kyuss attitude. There are three tracks
on this CD-R. They've put the best track first thing in the
beginning: "Go-go Girls Dancing Naked in The Street" sweeps
the board already with its great groove. Superb track, and
the harsh voice of the singer fits in the mood very well.
This is the newest track on the EP, and it also has the best
sound quality. Nice, heavy stuff. Also "Super Morocco" (!)
is a fine track about smoking hash. It's faster than the
one before and including some psychedelic elements. The last,
monotonic song "Chasing Tumbleweed" is the weakest one, a bit
dull possibly due to the mix, and more traditional in nature.
10 more guitars might have helped! Nothing really starts happening
until the very end. All in all, a very promising band, and we
can hope a lot from them in the future. It would be nice to have
these guys to play at Psychotropic Zone some day... Check out
their site at: www.rumble.at/kamel.
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OCTOPUS SYNG
All Beings Are Beautiful EP
Novgorod 003
 This is the third private press release by Finnish one-man band
called Octopus Syng. There are four fine, 60's styled tracks on
this tasty 7" EP. "Together on The Shore" begins very softly,
the chorus is a bit heavier. Very good 60's psykepop song.
"Shanti Shanti" is real hippie stuff, "Soft Jewel" some kind
of a love song. There's a nice fake Hammond sound in the slow
end part. The best track on the EP in my opinion, though, is
"Welcome to The World of Fairy-tales" that was recorded already
in 2001. The track is like straight from a marvellous lost Brit
psych single from '67! The lyrics are very psychedelic. An
excellent EP with a real nice, homemade feeling. In addition
to the lyric insert, there's also even a funny badge emphasizing
the message of love and peace... Jaire, who plays all the instruments
on the EP, promises a full-length album called Karmadelic later
this year. The album will be worth the wait, I'm sure!
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PSYCHO DAISIES
Snowflakes Falling on The International Dateline
Psycho Daisies (PD9463)
 Psycho Daisies is an acid/garage rock band from Miami, who have been
operating for over ten years now. The group combines raw rock, roots
stuff, psychedelia and blues, and its main figure is guitarist John Salton.
This fellow has been around since the 70's. For example 13th Floor Elevators,
Pretty Things, MC5, Velvet Underground and local garage bands have influenced
the sound of the only original member of the band. This recently released
Psycho Daisies CD is a solid, over one hour-long package of intoxicant
abuse and madness. As a die-hard Bevis Frond fan I must say, that there
are a lot of similarities between the two bands, although Snowflakes... is
more deranged than the recent releases by the Frond. In addition, the
Daisies have neither faster punk pop songs nor acoustic folk pieces.
The connection is enhanced by the fact that there is a cover version
of the marvellous BF classic "Lights Are Changing" on this album. Salton
also does the vocals on the CD, and especially on this cover song you can
hear the years of partying in his voice... The other members of the band are
Jill Kahn: bass, Bill Ritchie: keyboards and Scotty Upton: drums. The playing
works fine, but there is some drunken bungling to be sensed. Some of the
other, usually quit long tracks are "Losing Touch With My Mind", "Space Traveller",
"Alien Overdrive" and "She's Like Heroin to Me" (Gun Club). This is pretty
mind-expanding CD, mostly due to the mixing and lyrics. I can recommend this
to everyone into psychedelic guitar/organ garage. Play it loud, very loud, as
the CD cover tells you to. I've heard their album "30 Ml. of Your Love" before,
and as far as I can remember, it was proper psychedelic rock, as well. You can
order the band's records from their website at: www.psychodaisies.com.
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BLAND BLADEN
I Grevenstid
Omakustanne
 Bland Bladen is a new band from Malmö, Sweden, playing instrumental
progressive space rock. This four-piece band reminds at times
a lot like The Ozric Tentacles and through that also the Finnish
Hidria Spacefolk, who they will play with in Denmark soon (more info
from www.aural-innovations.com), but they've got more organic style
than these two bands. They don't use sequencers, backing tapes or
machine beats, so they might have been around in the 70's, as well.
This stuff is also more progressive, just in the mellow 70's style.
At times the bubbling analogue synths do bring to mind the Ozrics,
and this band certainly has listened a lot to Gong and Steve Hillage.
This, about 45 minutes long album has four long tracks. "I Grevenstid"
is a long prog giant with many parts, also including some jazz and
folk influences. The reggae styled "På Grön Kvist" sounds a lot like
The early Ozric Tentacles, and one bass riff is a rather direct loan.
In the end the track grows nicely into a more groovy direction. Very
good guitar solos and nice percussions. "I Afton Trans" starts very
peacefully and slowly, the comp comes along after about two and a half
minutes. There are some wacky, spacey analogue synth effects to create
a pretty psychedelic atmosphere. At seven minutes point, the track cools
down, and a nice Fender Rhodes part begins, and it's being stretched out
until 13 minutes. The last track "Dimland" grooves very well with its
bluesy rhythm. This faster track also has some oriental Gong feel to it.
After 5 minutes and a very quiet part starts an interesting and very fine
delay guitar thing, that reminds me a bit of Ashra. After this we'll get
through the reggae rhythms into the Ozrics-like end climax. Bland Bladen
is a very talented and welcome newcomer to the space rock circles, and
will for sure also get the interest of a lot of the fans of the more
traditional prog. We have to get this band to play at Psychotropic Zone
sometime next year! I also enjoy very much the weird cover art of this
album. You can order this album for 100 Swedish kronor by sending email
to the band at blandbladen@shpongle.com, and three of these tracks can
be downloaded from artists.iuma.com.
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ON TRIAL
Parchment Farm 7"
Freakophonic (FREAKO-001)
 I was getting a bit worried of what will happen to one of my favourite groups,
since their drummer's other band Baby Woodrose has been pretty successful.
This new single proves that the Danish On Trial is alive and kicking. On the
A-side there's "Parchment Farm", an old live favourite of the band, and it's
closer to the Blue Cheer version than the Moose Allison original. This is
very hard stuff, a fast track with superb guitars. There is a pause and
a slower part in the middle, and then we're back in the middle of the
full sonic attack. I wonder who's singing on this one? On the B-side
you can find the space rock/psych classic "Interstellar Overdrive" by
Pink Floyd! Wow, what a version, the heaviest I've ever heard. Really
spaced out stuff, and an excellent piece. All in all, this is a marvellous
single, and worth getting very soon! There are only 500 copies made.
It's available for example from Freakemporium.com.
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OCTOPUS SYNG
Rainbow Coloured Mandala
Universal Vibes (UV 001)
 Octopus Syng is just what we have needed for the psychedelia scene in Finland.
The band is actually just one guy called Jaire. He plays all the instruments
and sings by himself. The German psychedelic-music.net said that he has obviously
travelled from '67 with a time machine, and this possibility isn't that far-fetched.
Jaire does mostly soft acid folk psych that was very popular at that time. We just
had to get this guy to play at our club (31.10.03) as soon as we could locate him.
This mini CD is the second release by Octopus Syng. The first 7" Ganhi-Train to
Dawn/Mystic Side Questions is already sold out (200 copies). Jaire plays genuine
hippie music, and the lyrics follow the same line, there's plenty of spreading
the message of love and expanding the mind. Some of the tracks are a bit heavier
as well, so Jaire doesn't restrict himself to just folk. In addition to the
West Coast influences there are also some brain damages caused by the early
Brit psych to be heard. My personal favourite of the seven tracks on this
little over 20 minutes long MCD is "There Comes Your Sirens" that is like
a lost track from the first Pink Floyd album. "I'm a Bee" sounds like Sam Gopal.
Same of the other tracks are "Look Behind Your Mind" and "Unite Moons and Suns",
just to give you a more accurate picture of what's going on. An excellent release,
and everyone into old-school psych should really get this as long as it's available.
In Finland the price was 5 euro including postage. I truly believe that Octopus Syng
will raise some turbulence in the underground circles. This is Jaire's email
address: octopussyng1970@luukku.com.
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SPIHA
Tooth Helmet
Freakophonic Records (FOP-001)
 Danish Freakophonic Records start off their operation gloriously: an excellent
vinyl release by one of Finland's coolest bands. The album includes the lost
Spiha CD EP Tooth Helmet that was originally released in 2000 by Metamorphos,
and four live tracks. I've been digging this EP a lot, but unfortunately
Metamorphos went under just when it was released, so the EP really hasn't
been available from anywhere. All this makes this re-release very welcome,
and it's even on vinyl with marvellous optic art covers and bonus tracks!
Spiha might be considered as a stoner rock band, although the boys have also
been influenced by for example The Doors and a lot of hard rock and heavy
metal bands. The band did release their first full-length CD Egoreactor
earlier this year, and the CD has been very nicely accepted at least in
Finland. New versions of three of the live songs from this vinyl can also
be heard on Egoreactor. The vinyl presents a bit more raw, freer and at
the same time more psychedelic Spiha. Due to the line-up changes the band
now have a somewhat more professional approach. "Sheater", the opener of
Tooth Helmet, is a very groovy blast with heavy fuzz sound. Insane keyboard
solos. The middle part cools down the track a bit. An absolutely magnificent
song that has been kindly treated by time. "New Beginning" is a merciless
two-chord sledgehammer that goes on like a tank. Very good singing! In the
middle there is a mystical and peaceful part with some sitar by Tomi Koivusaari
from Amorphis. Still, in my opinion, the best tracks of the original Tooth Helmet
is "For Rest", because it really takes the listener into the hypnotic and
weird psychedelic world of its own. And fuck what a bass sound! Totally
unbelievable song. "Heaven Deamon" finishes the A-side with its, a bit
more roots styled rock 'n' roll. I must add that also Suho Superstar
(Jimson Weed) took part in these recordings helping with production
and also a bit on the vocals. As bonus material on the B-side we've
got live versions of tracks "Freedom Fuel", "I Ain't The One", "Egoreactor"
and a totally unreleased fast rocker "Mau Mau Territory". It's very nice
to hear these great versions off the album; I've heard these so many times live.
There's still enough good quality live material in the Spiha vaults for
another release, let's see if the Freakophonic guys will get interested.
This superb vinyl release is worth getting right away, before the 500 copies
are gone...www.freakophonic.dk, www.spiha.net.
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FIVE FIFTEEN
The Sensational Five Fifteen
Blastic Heaven (BHR 3399 2)
 Five Fifteen are back with almost completely new crew. Only the
founder member Mika Järvinen is left from the musicians of the
last album. Well, 5.15 has always been his band, after all, and
with a little effort you hardly notice the disappearance of the
old members. You can still enjoy Pate Kivinen's Hammond work on
one track. The basic thing about the band has remained the same
with Mika on all the six CD's. Since the beginning, the band has
cleverly nicked stuff from bands like The Who, Uriah Heep, Deep
Purple, Led Zeppelin, Thin Lizzy, Nazareth etc., but using these
ingredients to mould a creation that sounds just their own. This
time even the album cover is a festival of copying. The gold paint
that Mika has used for years now is from Arthur Brown, who Mika
has idolised since he was a kid, and the rest of the cover picture
and the title is taken directly from Alex Harvey Band! I'm not sure,
if this is close to idiotism or brilliance, you just have to make
up your own mind... Musically the band continues its familiar retro/hard
rock style with redneck attitude, although now maybe in a more
straightforward way than ever before. "Black Monday", the opener
of the album is a direct, honest rock'n'roller with even some piano.
"Only Lovers Are Left Alive" might be the next radio hit, at least
what comes to the chorus. It also has some nice harmonic Thin Lizzy
guitar melodies. There's some of that same stuff also on the track
"It's All Over Baby Blue" that is pure traditional 5.15. The next
one is "Every Dog Has Its Day", and it starts with acoustic guitar
and grows in an interesting way. A very good track, actually.
"High Times We Had" is the obligatory slow one, and works pretty
good as such. There are a few delayed slide guitar slicks in the
beginning to create a pinch of psychedelica. "Rockin Horse" rocks
hard and fast again with Led Zeppelin influences, the mellower
middle part gives a nice contrast. "Jesus Went to N.Y.C." is
basic rock Five Fifteen, but the ending deserves a special
mention because of its excellent and beautiful arrangements.
"Together Alone" is a sad and peaceful track, "My Name Is Judas"
on the other hand almost heavy rock. The fine chorus of the latter
goes to Beatles territory. The end of the song is absolutely the
best part of the album with its wild keyboard solos; it goes
rather psychedelic! The album is closed with a short piano
ballad "Ha Ha Ha (Last Laugh)". No funny hidden track surprises
this time... Mika has written almost all the music and lyrics.
The new female singer Saana Koskinen who has a very beautiful
voice and also plays flute has co-written the lyrics to "Black Monday"
with Mika, and the old 5.15 guy Timo Gren helped with the music on
"Rocking Horse". What comes to the lyrics of Järvinen, I have to
say that they are usually about true and actual, although very
absurd happenings that he seems to get into a lot more than an
average rock'n'roll dude. True Spinal Tap, that is. Those who
know about these things will always get a good laugh out of
this! After the lyrics to each song some places and dates and
names are given as a hint... This latest 5.15 album is of course
a must have for all the fans of the band, and is guaranteed stuff
benefiting from Järvinen's experience. The new musicians do their
job fabulously, and the production works. There have been more
psychedelic elements on the earlier albums, so this is the only
long minus point this time.
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ELEKTRODIESEL
The Summer Sessions in D# (Let's Stay Together)
Synesthetic Recordings (SYRE 003)
 Elektrodiesel is Norwegian improvisation collective formed by
Espen Jansen and who ever joins in at any given time.
The collaborators only need to be willing to let go, improvise
and experiment all the time. This is the group's first official
release, and was recorded live during the summer of 1999.
There are no overdubs or mixing, and the sound is rather lo-fi,
but pretty okay for this kind of experimental noise stuff.
There are only two over 20 minutes long tracks on this vinyl.
The first one is a monotonous organ/guitar drone, that doesn't
have that much rhythm in it. It also has some analogue synth.
As is usually the case with jams, also this one has some good
parts and some not so good parts. The overall feel is very
hypnotic and mesmerising. Somebody might say the track is
a bit dull, if not in the right mood. The drums only join in
towards the end to get the track really going somewhere.
Quite psychedelic stuff, any way. The B-side has more action
all the way from the beginning. Nice jamming, creating a very
dreamy atmosphere. At times it gets quite wild and heavy, as well.
Somewhat kraut rock influenced, I guess. I like this second track
more than the first, since it has more variety. This is a limited
edition of 200 copies on 220 g black vinyl, so it might already
be gone, but if you're into 70's styled noisy improv jam, then
try to get this album.
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ZOFFY
Zo Zo Zo Zo Zoffy!!!
Synesthetic Recordings (SYRE 006)
 Synesthetic Recordings from Norway is a new acquaintance
for me. This is a stylish 220 g vinyl, and the thick gatefold
covers are very nice, as well. Zoffy is a project by
Tsuyama Atsushi and Kawabata Makoto from Acid Mothers Temple,
and they combine traditional Japanese music and Western rock
from the 60's and 70's in a very unique way. The album was
originally released on CD-R in a ridiculously limited edition
by Acid Mothers Temple, but now it has been made available
to the fans again. The vinyl exists in three different
colours: pink, blue and black, 200 copies each. Just to
inform all the Acid Mothers Temple collectors... Who I feel
sorry for, since there are soon as many collectibles as
Hawkwind have! Oh well, back to the point. There are six
originals on the album, and very interesting versions of
"Space Oddity" by David Bowie, "Immigrant Song" by
Led Zeppelin, "Light My Fire" by The Doors and "Fire Ball"
by Deep Purple. Although these covers don't really sound
that much like the originals, and they seem to be sung
in Japanese, in addition. They are funny, though. We had
the possibility to enjoy the psychedelic B-grade humour
of these modern day troubadours also in Finland at their
gig at the Psychotropic Zone. On this album their instrument
arsenal is rather big, consisting mostly of acoustic
instruments and electronics. Their own compositions
are to be taken a bit more seriously, like for example
"Bésamé La Mucho" that succeeds to sound very traditional.
"Platitude" features flute and violin, and is rather easy,
less cacophonic track. At times these men do take to almost
insane noise making, in a familiar AMT style. The last track
on the album, "Baron Cross" is again a fine, peaceful number.
This LP must be obtained soon, before the anxious AMT fans
suck the stock empty. The site of the record company
(www.synestheticrecordings.com) should also be watched
because of the couple of new AMT releases that are soon to be released
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VIBRAVOID/ SULA BASSANA
Phasenvoid/ Retronique split LP
Nasoni Records (NASONI AS-001)
 I was waiting anxiously for this album, since it is a split vinyl by
a couple of the best modern day psychedelia bands from Germany! Vibravoid
released their first album on Nasoni in 2001, and it is true space/kraut/psych
brain-candy. That was followed by a promising "Adjustment" single, and at the
turn of the year they released the absolutely amazing "Void Vibration".
Any self-respecting psych-head just have to get all these! Sula Bassana is
a solo project of ex-Liquid Visions bass player Dave Schmidt, and his
Dreamer vinyl, also released by Nasoni, was one of last year's best albums,
so it must be found from the record shelf, as well. This split album is
composed of old recordings by Christian of Vibravoid fame and Dave, so we're
not talking about any brand new stuff here. The Vibravoid side was recorded
as early as 1993-1996, and includes experiments that lead to the formation
of Vibravoid. The very psychedelic elemental tone of the band is already there,
but in more basic and ambient, electronic form. There are plenty of weird
sound effects, lots of synth, guitar, sitar, vocal samples and many strange
gizmos in use. Occasionally this reminds me of Tangerine Dream, but this
stuff is much more twisted. There is also a drum machine on the last track,
and it's closer to the whole band albums. Very nice and weird stuff!
The Sula Bassana side is started with a lengthy track "The End of
The World" featuring vocals by an Australian Jodi Barry, who also
sang on the Zone Six album. Her voice is very beautiful to hear in
this really groovy track mostly about smoking dope, including a very
funny "gimme schocolate" chorus. In the middle we'll dive into a wilder,
Hawkwind-like middle part, and then back to the basic thing. "Blow That Trip"
is a good, very ambient piece with strange noises. "Nineteenninetynine" is
a fast instrumental with heavy riff. The last track "Low Future" was written
just after the beginning of the Iraq war, and is a very laidback and spacey
number that grows a bit along the way and has some small, echoed vocals.
Excellent stuff, although doesn't quit mach with the Dreamer album that
is also going to be released on CD soon. There is a CD-R with old
electronic recordings by Sula Bassana available as well, and you can
get it by contacting Dave. In conclusion: a fine and very spaced-out
vinyl (180 g, 400 copies in black vinyl, 100 in red) that completes
in a nice way the work of these.
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RAW JAM
Retrospective
Nasoni Records (Nasoni 015)
 The tracks on this album were recorded in between
1996 and 2000, and the German band plays pretty
psychedelic and heavy rock, and judging by the title,
they are now disbanded. Raw Jaw was consisted of the
basic line-up of guitar-bass-drums-vocals, but the
female singer of the band really stands out with her
strong and clear voice. The tracks on the album are
usually quit slow and only "Illuminating" rocks
a bit faster. The track "Drugged" reminds me a bit
of Bardo Pond. There are some Black Sabbath and
grunge influences on some of the tracks. "At Least"
is somewhat gentler than the rest of the songs, and
sounds like Jefferson Airplane in the beginning,
until the full distortion kicks in, and it starts
to sound more like 70's hard rock. I guess some of
the best stuff on the album might be the long opener
"Afraid of PSI". Crispy bass sound! There is a shortage
of guitar solos, but there are a couple of tracks where
you can find some. The album is ended with "Goddess Jam"
that is a slow, long and a bit bleak sounding jam.
Nothing special, but okay. The same goes for the
whole album, in fact only the singer elevates the
album above the average. So this is not the best
stuff Nasoni Records has put out, but still a vinyl
worth buying. www.nasoni-records.com.
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EKTROVERDE
Ukkossalama
Ektro Records (EKTRO-014)
 For those of you who don't know, Ektroverde is a loose improvisational
group formed by musicians mainly from Pori, members changing upon need.
There are thirteen musicians on this album, including many members of
Circle and Kuusumun Profeetta. The music that Ektroverde have offered
on their albums has varied from experimental, ambient electronic music
to groovy, funky jazz boost. This album, recorded as early as March 2001,
is composed of four lengthy jams, first two of which ("Kapituli" and
"Paholaispiirtäjä") are 9 to 10 minutes long. "Kaski" and "Salama" are
both massive, over 26 minutes long works. On the three first tracks the
lyrics are in English, and on "Salama" in Finnish. The group succeeds in
creating very unique atmosphere with their monotonous and picturesque
improvisation. The horns bring nice jazzy feel to the otherwise rather
guitar-driven stuff. The album works great eyes closed with headphones,
and transfers the listener into another, far-away place. Especially "Kaski"
is able to create very interesting states with its long journey, a bit in
The Spacious Mind style, but not just as psychedelic. The speeding up in
the end really works! Also "Salama" is totally amazing trip into another
dimension. Thunder and storm seems to be some kind of a theme on the covers
and at least on the last track. A truly magnificent CD, that makes you yearn
for the live experience the group can give you.
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MANNHAI
Evil Under The Sun
Spinefarm Records (0662832 RANCH-1)
 This is the second CD by Helsinki based Mannhai. The guys deliver very
tight stuff on their album that was recorded in Sweden. The sound is very
heavy, and I guess this is mainly metal, although there are elements of doom,
stoner, action and hard rock as well as grunge there, too. There are also some
nice jam parts on many songs. First of all, this is very well played and
interesting rock. The line-up is Junior: drums, Ile: guitar, Joanitor (ex-Xysma):
vocals ja Oppu (ex-Amorphis): bass. They all are very talented musicians.
There is also a video of one of the best tracks "Spiritraiser" included.
The track is also released as a single. I also like the opener "Laugh Like Insane"
and the wild "Sweat of Love". From the slower stuff, for example "More Than Enough"
works well, and its solo jam sounds like something in between Black Sabbath and
Kingston Wall. This is not exactly the kind of music I prefer to listen to nowadays,
but I just have to dig it. Just turn the volume up to eleven and bang your head!
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RÄTTÖ JA LEHTISALO
Kopernikus hortoilee näkinkengässä
Ektro Records (EKTRO-023)
 I was really looking forward to this album... When I finally got the album in my hands,
the wait certainly was worth it. Even the fine covers with spacious and psychedelic
pictures were rewarding, not to mention the music. The tough duo from Pori has on this
project re-worked their well-received hypnotic pattern. Mika Rättö (Kuusumun Profeetta,
Circle, Ektroverde) plays drums and keyboards on the album, and of course entertains us
with his original singing. Jussi Lehtisalo (Circle, Ektroverde, Pharaoh Overlord, Eturivi...)
deals with the bass and guitar and sings, as well. Aki Peltonen, who recorded and mixed the CD,
plays some lead guitar. The music could be described as hypnotic space pop. The keyboards
play more important role than usual on Circle albums, for example, and the over-all feeling
in very laid-back and airy. The funny Sci-Fi lyrics that are in Finnish are about everything
in between interplanetary love to the characteristics of space and from the modern day
phenomena to ancient wizards. The tracks are relatively short, the shortest being
"Avaruusshamppanja" (2.25) and the longest the instrumental "Taivaankansi" (6.26).
I guess the best pieces are "Valonnopeus", "Vihertävä mies" and the last track "Nykyaika",
all of which have also been played in the radio. "Valonnopeus", in particular, is very
Neu!-influenced. Some of the tracks also remind me of the early 80's more electronic
material by Hawkwind, or some of Dave Brock's solo stuff, but without the heavy guitars.
This, of course, means excellent stuff! We'll see, whether the boys will find time and
effort to get a live band together to play this material, but I really hope so. This is
a must have for everybody into the Pori scene and fine, hypnotic music.
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IAN ECCLES-SMITH
Apsilene
Internet Release
 Ian Eccles Smith is a classically trained composer who now
lives in London. Earlier on, he has composed some film music,
for example. Apsilene is his solo release, and it's available
at www.ianesmith.com. Musically this must be close to
instrumental prog, and it is very skilful, as well. I'm never
very pleased with machine drums, but the acoustic guitars bring
in a nice balance and a more organic feel to the mathematically
exact computerized stuff. The sound is crystal clear. At least
Yeas might have been a musical influence, and at times the
atmosphere is a bit similar to Porcupine Tree. Apsilene is
divided in seven parts, and the album is over one hour long.
I find it hard to name any favourite tracks, 'cause this is
rather well balanced and whole unit. This is not exactly the
kind of music I listen to nowadays, but if you're interested
in new progressive, you should download the work from Ian's web page.
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JAMES ANGELL
PsychEclectic Records
(PsychEclectic 001)
 James Angell's Private Player is another band that Daniel Riddle from King Black Acid
plays in, so that's the reason I was very interested to hear this CD. In addition, the
live band also features John Taylor (ex-Duran Duran!). James Angell, the man, is
a singer/songwriter from Portland, who has been active on the local music scene
for years. Private Player, the CD, is more or less his solo work recorded at his
kitchen mostly using only piano, synth and mic by himself, but also using some
friends and relatives. The production of this CD makes it sound rather psychedelic:
there are a lot of trippy tricks in use. Musically it's a bit hard for me to describe,
but David Bowie and maybe Tim Buckley might have written similar stuff. There are also
some trip hop influences, as well as traces of blues, Pink Floyd, jazz and what ever.
I'll just say that it's a very odd, fragile and original music. Angell himself says,
that hearing a lot of Baptist hymns in his childhood has influenced the album the most.
It's rather soulful and sad stuff, so no wonder. The album is surprisingly psychedelic,
as well, so I just have to like it... Check out www.jamesangell.com.
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SPACE TEAM ELECTRA
The Intergalactic Torch Song
(SH03)
 This is the amazing second full-length by this band from Denver. The bandleader is
singer and guitarist Myshel Prasad, whose powerful voice sounds a bit like Nico or
Grace Slick from Jefferson Airplane, and has a very important role on the album.
Prasad is also an actress, a poet and a painter. The band's music is rather slow,
guitar-driven and melancholic psychedelia. The band has warmed up for Nik turner,
for example. The opener "Mars" is a hypnotic piece that gets heavier towards the end.
"The Marriage" reminds me of The Cure, although it has some heavier stuff, as well.
"Ouroboras Omphalos" is a peaceful and mystical song that starts to sound like
King Black Acid when it grows! The dream-like "Absinthe" starts with musical box
samples followed by heavy guitar buzz and some psych sounds and then the soft
rhythm begins. The slow "In Ribbons" brings to mind Mazzy Star, until the harsher,
KBA-styled part begins. "Original Sin #666" opens up with a narration about Lucifer,
followed by beautiful pizzicato guitar. Space whisper starts "Dissolution of
The Order of The Star" that is heavy stuff, but gets a bit lighter during the
vocal parts. "Ice Age" has again quite a lot of The Cure feel to it, "RS2MB"
is a pretty and soft song with distortion only on the bass. Fine track! "Utopia"
is a slow and beautiful track with KBA spices and a hypnotic middle part.
The album is closed in a great and melancholic way with the tender "Pelican".
This CD can be recommended to everyone into dark, beautiful and a bit
Dead Can Dance -like psychedelia with excellent female vocals. You can order
the band's products from their website at www.spaceteamelectra.com.
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KINSKI
Airs Above Your Station
Sub Pop Records (SPCD 620)
 Kinski from Seattle
have released their third full-length album, and this
surely is an interesting masterpiece. I haven't heard the earlier releases
by the band, but I guess I have to track them down. Kinski combines elements
of kraut, post and space rock in a nice way. Airs Above Your Station is almost
instrumental, only a shorter, Neu!-styled "Rhode Island Freakout" has some
spoken vocals. Characteristic for the album are long, slowly growing tracks
that start with peaceful, dreamy sounds, and after a few minutes there comes
the rhythm and the heavy drone guitars. The opener of the album, "Steve's Basement",
reminds me of Spacemen 3. After the tremolo intro follows some Circle-like heavy
playing in a track called "Semaphore". There are also some hints of the Finnish
hypno-masters on the next, more peaceful and weird "Schedule for Using Pillows
& Beanbags" that explodes into a monotonic pounding with heavy guitar wall after
five minutes. Wild stuff, and the heads will explode! The fifth track "I Think I
Blew It" is a minimalistic synth piece to calm down the nerves. This about 8 minutes
long track also features some light guitar playing. Then we're off to the GYBE! world,
then there's a moment of relief again, then back to some serious rocking. The album
ends in a soft and fine way with the track "I Think I Blew It (Again)". Airs Above
Your Station is an excellent and varied album full of instrumental, guitar-dominated
psychedelia. The album is also out on vinyl. This band really is worth getting into,
since they have plenty of energy, feel and skill. More info and some MP3's
available from www.kinski.net.
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HAINLOOSE
Rosula
Electrohasch (101)
 This German band started originally in 1999 as Kinch. After releasing a split CD Kinch vs.
Shard and getting some fame the fellows disappeared for a while, but were back in business
by 2002. The new members influenced the sound, and the band changed its name into Hainloose.
This is the least heavy Electrohasch release so far: we're talking about an almost pure 70's
classic/hard rock band here. The guitar sound is not as harsh as on the other releases by
the company, although there is a decent distortion to be found. The overall sound on the
album is great, and you can easily hear everything, even the fine vocals. The singer reminds
me of somebody, but I just can't say who... This is rather groovy stuff; a bit like Blue Cheer
maybe, and there are even some Black Sabbath-like riffs. At times this gets close to action rock,
like on the last track "Rains of July", also including some guitar by the producer Stefan Koglek.
There are 10 tracks on this little under 40 minutes long CD, and none of them stands out, at least
not yet. I must add that there are a few rather silly names like "Rampadampa", "Rockamuly" ja
"Hula Hop"... So, Rosula is simple, honest and pretty okay music mixing together hard, action and
stoner rock. The band's home page can be found at www.hainloose.de.
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UGH!
Metaustrat
Electrohasch (100)
 Ugh! From Germany, who started out as a project, have now released their first
album that was recorded 2000-2003. The band fits well in the heavy, bluesy stoner
rock style of Electrohasch, and the label boss and Colour Haze guitarist Stefan Koglek
guests on a couple of songs. Musically Ugh! is a bit rawer and more brutal than
Colour Haze, and a big reason for this is the almost screaming/growling singer.
The playing is pretty wild at times, as well. This is partly full metal, but there
are also some lighter jam parts. Bigmuff roars in a nice way, and the sound is
rather heavy, dry and dirty, so very suitable for this kind of severe rock'n'roll.
The Monster Magner -styled opener "In Vain", the slow-tempo, vivid and dark "Cubicle"
and the brain-frying heavy killer last track "Terminus" are in my opinion some of
the best tracks. I can recommend this to everybody into heavy and dirty stoner rock!
You can contact the band at: captain.knorke@gmx.de.
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PHOSPHENE
Long Meadow Felt Company
Oggum Records (OG10 CD)
 Phosphene is a cosmic ambient band by John Cavanagh from Scotland.
John used to be a member of a group called Electroscope. Long Meadow Felt
Company is a real trip into the depths of the mind. At least Klaus Schultze
and the other German masters must have been an influence. The album is full
of very mind-expanding works. Almost all the album is produced with electronic
means, but there are some occasional vocals and guitar to a very refreshing
effect. In a right state of mind the album will get you on a flight through
galaxies, at times on a walk through ancient moors, and there are many other
images that come to mind as well. This is really weird, strange but fine album,
and I can recommend it to anybody into cosmic, electronic head-music
without rhythm. It might also be worth the effort to try out the other
releases by the company. www.oggum.co.uk.
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OGGUM
Yr Agog
Oggum Records (OG10 CD)
 All the profits from this compilation by the Welsh Oggum Records went to the
homeless people in Wales. The album was released in 2000, but I've only recently
got my hands on it. There are 16 tracks presented by 13 bands on this pretty
interesting CD. I was earlier familiar only with the Russian Ole Lukkoye, who
start the album with their guaranteed ethnic psych, Mooseheart Faith Stellar
Groove Band, who give us two tracks of their hazy psych rock, and the
noise-drone-pop act Flying Saucer Attack. The rest of the bands play more
or less ambient, usually rather minimalistic electronic music or fragile folk.
The whole album is full of nice psychedelic stuff, and works well as a whole.
There seems to be some kind of a close-to-earth pagan theme combining all the
tracks together. From the bands that I hadn't heard before, I think the highlights
turned out to be Ectogram, who succeeded sounding a bit like The Magic Mushroom Band,
Hydroplane with its fragile folk number with female singer and Magic Carpathians,
whose name I had already heard of. Many of the more ambient tracks were quite nice,
as well. A recommended purchase. www.oggum.co.uk.
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SUN ZOOM SPARK
Electricity
SlowBurn Records (SBR 039)
 This is a re-release of the first album, originally released in
1999 in limited edition of 30 copies, by Sun Zoom Spark from Arizona.
The group recorded the album with a four-track, and in spite of the
re-mastering it still sounds pretty primitive and raw. It sounds
like it was recorded live at the rehearsal space. The psychedelic
addition to the basic trio is brought by samples and moog. The band
takes its influences from 60's and 70's acid rock and heavy blues.
The playing isn't always perfect, but usually works well. At times
they rock hard, but there are also some mellower tracks included.
You can also find some pop pieces, and a cover version of "Here I Go"
by Syd Barret. There are some mystic instrumentals on the CD, as well.
Occasionally they burst into a jam quite effectively, and especially
the guitar player gets rather wild at times. The last, hidden track
is almost space rock! I'd like to hear some of their more recent albums,
this stuff is promising enough. Some of the band members have also been
involved with the re-grouped Black Sun Ensemble, and hats off to that...
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SUN DIAL
Zen for Sale
Ennakko-CD-R
Oh God, this album has really been long-expected! I've only just received
a preview CD-R copy from Acme, but the album should be out any time now,
also on vinyl. Zen for Sale is a return album for Sun Dial. It has been
eight years since the last studio album was released. The band had undergone
a splendid transformation, and the new album does not sound exactly like any
of the old ones. The guitarist/singer Gary Ramon used mostly who ever
musicians who just happened to be around at his studio at the right time,
and this worked out great.
The opener of the album, "You're Still Wondering", is an amazing and airy psych
rock piece with tinkling acoustic guitars, bassy moog backgrounds and fine
slide guitars. "Open up Your Eyes" is a heavier and rockier track in a bit
Reflecter (and why not also Return Journe) style, but because of its sound
and the organs it's more in the spirit of the 60's. Excellent!
"Believe in The Spaceman" is a groovy, danceable song with Beatles influences.
"Tumbling Down" is acoustic-driven, fine piece, that brings to mind their
debut album Other Way Out on emotional level. There is also some violin in it.
"Acid Test" is a instrumental jam mixed in a very psychedelic way, and started
when the band was testing that the recording was okay... Far out!
"Supernatural Man" is a midtempo piece with what sounds like mellotron
and some wacky tremolo guitar, acoustic guitar and synths.
"Out of Space Out of Time" sounds like it's directly from an amazing,
lost single by some 60's psych band. "Blue Sugar" is the most peaceful
track on the album, and gives a nice relief. The album is ended with
"Reflections" that sounds a lot like the Beatles. Very beautiful.
Zen for Sale is the best album that I've heard for ages, and on basis of
this Sun Dial really ought to make it to the spotlights and headlines.
I'd say, that Ramon has made his strongest album to date, which is quite
an achievement. The albums sounds fresh and rich, and the recording and
mixing is very successful. I truly hope, that this sells well and that
Sun Dial will be make it better than ever before! Each and everyone
into good music should buy this record!
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DarXtar
Tombola
Record Heaven Music
The Swedish space rock group DarXtar has matured from the Hawkwind copying of
the early days into a very original and fine band, but they still haven't
forgot their roots. The making process of Tombola was long and devout, and
this is the band's fifth CD. The release was delayed, since Delerium dropped
the album, but luckily the Swedish Record Heaven came to rescue.
The heavy and chrushing riffing that was so characteristic for the band in
the past has now made room for a fresher sound. In addition to the basic
rock instruments they have used organs, syntezisers, violin, mandolin,
bagpipe and so on. At first the album seemed a little too light, but it
slowly started to open up in a great way. The sound is excellent: the
mixing job is very well done, although the end result is maybe even
a bit too clean. All the 13 tracks on the CD are rather different.
They have included some more prog influences, but the music is not
too difficult in itself. There are also some catchy choruses and
fine compositions on the album, and they have put a lot effort
into the arranging of the songs. The lyrics somewhat follow a certain
theme, that has to do with the degradation of humankind, although not
forgetting a hope for better future. All this is presented in
a pretty cosmic way, of course.
A very nice CD, and the boys are already recording a follow
up to this one. I'm really looking forward to that, and let's
try to get the band to Finland to blow some minds before that.
welcome.to/darxtar/
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RAHUL SAKYAPUTRA
The Denmark Sessions, November 26-29, 1969.
Zemira (ZCD 14)
I must admit, that what comes to sitar players, prior to this I've only been familiar
with Ravi Shankar. Rahul Sakyaputra (1947-2002) is linked to Shankar by the same sitar teacher,
Baba Alla Uddin Khan, who is considered to be the greatest Indian musician of the 20th century.
Rahul has played with the members of Yes, The Moody Blues, and John McLaughlin. He went to the
West at the end of the 60's, and the CD has his first performance outside India. In addition
to the two long, fine ragas there is a bonus track where Rahul tells about his eventful life in 2000.
I'm not an expert on this kind of music, but I think that this album works well for meditation
and is a very spiritual experience. It's worth getting, if you like traditional sitar music,
and even played by the master. Rahul was also a great painter, and you can find more info on
him from www.mp3.com/RahulSakyaputra.
The web page of the record company can be found at www.zemira.com.
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SERGIO
See Far & Fall
Trash Can Records (CDISDUM-008)
Okay, this is not very psychedelic, but decent indie guitar rock, anyway.
The Sonic Youth influences are pretty obvious, and the band has also mentioned
its heroes to include Guided by Voices, Nirvana and Neil Young. With three
guitars they conjure at times rather thick guitar walls, but they also know
how to take it a bit easier. The band remains me of of the now defunct Helsinki
based Sunday Prize, whose gigs I went to see with great enthusiasm many
years ago. There are four, nicely deranged tracks on this EP, and they all
are pretty much in the same style. The vocals are ok, but they could be a little
stronger. The playing is good, and sometimes they rock really hard, like at the
end of a track called "Conversation Groups". The excellent ending track "High Lone"
is close to post rock. I do like this.
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MARKKU PELTOLA
Buster Keatonin ratsutilalla
Ektro Records (EKTRO-021)
Well, I must admit that Ektro has released a rather special album again. I'm not
really sure what kind of music this might be, but this is definitely not very rock.
It's very acoustic driven, instrumental, theatrical and pretty strange, in stead.
The tracks sound like they are, for example, music from some theatre piece, and
they seem to tell their own stories. A few of the tracks have some kind of
a reggae-like beat, without being reggae, though. Some folk music influences
can be found. There are some melancholic melodies, but also some funny little things.
The track "Pienet pelinappulat" sounds like gipsy music, and "Mexico" has gotten its
mood from Mexico. They have used a lot of violin and wind instruments, as well as
acoustic guitars and different kinds of percussion. Double bass takes places with
electric bass (or is it semi acoustic?). In addition, there is some keyboards and
very little vocals. The album is not very psychedelic, but there are also some
consciousness-expanding elements from time to time. This is not exactly for me,
but rather interesting album, any way. This work apparently has some movie connections,
since Mika Kaurismäki and Sputnik Oy are on the thank list, as well as Telakka theatre.
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LOS NATAS
Toba-Trance
Ektro Records (EKTRO-018)
I haven't heard any of the earlier releases by (Los) Natas from Argentina, but
I guess they are more in the stoner rock vein. This CD released by Ektro is
a bit more experimental stuff, at least. There are three loooong tracks on
the album: "La Tierra Delfin", "Que Rico..." and "Die Possime". I can't say exactly,
what type of music this might be, but it's pretty psychedelic, jam-based stuff all right.
At the hardest it sounds like Hawkwind, at times it's very relaxed and everything in between.
Sometimes there's some kraut rock feel to it, and the tracks have a lot of different parts,
so it's rather progressive, as well. The album is almost completely instrumental music;
there are only a few strange yells on it. The guitars play the main part, also in acoustic
form, but they have also used for example some flute. This is an interesting and different
album that offers something new for many listening times. I have to check out also the
earlier material by this three-men orchestra. More info can be found at: www.natasrock.com.
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BLACK SUN ENSEMBLE
Hymn of The Master
Camera Obscura Records (CAM048CD)
It's great that Black Sun Ensemble are back with force! Bandleader Jesus Acedo
has gathered a new band around him, but the basic sound is pretty much the same
as on the few groundbreaking early albums that the first incarnation released in
the mid to late eighties. There are now more synths, wind instruments and even
vocals (by the maestro himself), but you can still clearly identify the band.
This is the first totally new album by the band for more than ten years. Jesus is
apparently sane enough again to play music. His mescaline visions haven't gone
anywhere, though. The music is still very esoteric, spiritual and uplifting,
although rather oppressive and dark at times. The new band (Eric Johnson: bass,
guitar, vocals and moog, Otto Terrorist: drums and percussion, Brian Maloney: saxophone,
nickel clarinet and sitar) is excellent, and Acedo's guitar playing is better than ever.
His vocals need some getting used to, but they are okay and very psyched out. There are
many wholly instrumental tracks, as well, like the long track called "The Beast"
The guitar solos on "Captain Wormwood" sound like John McLaughlin, wow! The tracks
are usually mid tempo and quite heavy. Only the three last ones, the oriental sitar
piece "Love in The Heart of The Joyful", "Lamp Lady Vision" and "Song for Precious"
are peaceful and beautiful. This relief is very welcome after the blast by Jesus and co...
There are also two reworkings of old tracks "Celestial Cornerstone" and "Whirlpool Ocean".
This is nice, weird and unique combination of acid rock, free jazz and something out of this world.
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THE GREEN PAJAMAS
Northern Gothic
Camera Obscura (CAM045CD)
I really liked the last This Is Where We Dissappear album by The Green Pajamas,
and this, late 2002 release from Australia (www.cameraobscura.com.au) is very fine stuff,
as well. The idea behind the album was to reflect the atmosphere and nature of the home
region of the band, Pacific Northwest of the USA. The main figure of the band,
guitarist/singer/songwriter Jeff Kelly explains: "living here, you have a certain
landscape, a certain weather etched into your psyche. The trees, lakes, rain, the way
the sky looks -they all combine into a very gothic sort of scene." Well, this sounds
a bit like Finland?! Musically and lyrically that scene has presented itself in
a very beautiful and melancholic way. The band has travelled further away from
their Beatles influences: only one song ("Wild Wild Reefs") sounds a bit like them.
That is the only somewhat happier song on the album. The group have also succeeded in
making music that sounds even more like just them, because you can't say that the album
is psychedelia in its traditional and usual meaning. The tracks are very deep and touching
though, as well as unique. The fact that the band is American shines through, but in
a good way. You can find some tranquil fragility as well as raw power in the tracks,
so this is rather versatile material. There's some accordion ("In The Burning Moonlight)
and piano as well as some heavy guitars. Some of the best numbers might be "Christine Crystalline"
sung by the other guitar player Laura Weller, the heavy "Mary Ryan's Hear", that also includes
some horn, and a bit longer "Blue Halloween Moon". All in all, this is very atmospheric,
well-crafted and original music that I recommend very warmly!
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MOUNTAIN MIRRORS
Voices
Promo EP
This is a one-man project of an American called Jeff Sanders.
He describes his music as being psychedelic Zen guitar rock,
and that's a pretty good description. He mentions bands like
Led Zeppelin, Mogwai, Morphine and even Hawkwind and Porcupine Tree,
although I really can't hear that much influences by the last two.
There are four tracks in this EP. "Field of Grass" is a groovy,
bit Zep like rocker that works very well. I like Jeff's vocals.
And he can program the drums so, that they don't annoy the listener,
as they often do. "Voices" is a dreamy, bit oriental track, very ethereal
and spiritual in nature. Very nice! "Eclectic Caravan" is a strange and
rather minimal piece, while "Wash Me Away" is a bluesy song with tribal
sounding drums in the beginning. Not bad at all. Jeff even added a bonus
track to my copy called "Sidewinder". It is in many ways maybe the
best track. It's somewhat close to trance music, and you can dance
to it. It gives even more variety to this nice little EP. You can
listen to some of Jeff's work at www.mp3.com, or check out his
home page at www.mountainmirrors.com.
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FüXA
The Modified Mechanics of This Machine
Antenna Records (antenna001CD)
Füxa was started by Randall Niemen from Detroit, when he left Wendy & Carl in 1995.
In 1999 he moved to England to work with his space rock heroes The Telescopes and
ex-Spacemen 3 members. He has been on tour with Sonic Boom, and also toured
successfully with Füxa.
I haven't heard any of the band's other albums, but this, at least, is almost
pure electro-drone. The opener of the CD is "Girl" by Suicide, and Sonic Boom
is assisting on vocals and electronics. Not surprisingly, this sounds a lot
like Spacemen 3, being minimalistic and hypnotic. Very good! The most of the
album's 14 tracks are weird, experimental sound collages, and some of them
very psychedelic. Strange electronic sounds and samples play an important role.
That means that this is very ambient, floating stuff. There are a little bit
more rhythm in some of tracks, like in the ethereal "Bowie Beat" and in nice
track called "Kids Bits", and a couple even have a real drum comp and guitars
("Willow Run", "Sky High").
If you're into experimental and cosmic electronic, this is worth checking out.
Just try it with headphones!
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LOS PLANETOS DEL AGUA
Too Many Bricks And Not Enough Sea
Antenna Records (antenna002CD)
This is the debut CD by the English Los Planetos Del Agua. Prior to this,
they have released one 7", that John Peel played on the radio with enthusiasm.
The absolute highlight of this album is the exploding first cut "Here's to
Selfish Killers and Patriotic Whores" which culminates after three minutes
into a wild space rock climax with heavy guitars and space noises. There are
also some horns. Excellent! The rest of the record is more peaceful material,
although "Column A Column B" rocks pretty good again, and "Mercury 13" has its,
a bit faster, middle part. The band plays pretty plain post rock, the overall
sound is rather airy. There is not too much stuff on the album, although they
have spiced it with gentle, psychedelic effects and horns. Guitar/bass/drums are
absolutely playing the most important role, and occasionally also the vocals are
an integral element. At times, the music is very gentle and fragile. The album
sounds a lot like it was made in the States, there seems to be enough of this
kind of pastoral, post rock/drone bands over there. There are some The Telescopes
members questing on the album. This is an interesting band that I'm going to keep
an eye on from now on. There's a nice UFO animation at the bands web page
(http://listen.to/lpda
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THE TELESCOPES
Third Wave
Double Agent Records (DA017CD)
The Telescopes existed around the same time as Loop and Spacemen 3 in the late 80's
and early 90's, and were their spiritual brothers. They released some albums and
singles for example on Creation Records, until they stopped. After eight years
hiatus they released a new album called Third Wave. In the early days the use of
guitars was very characteristic for the band, but now there is now sign of them,
and they've gone into totally electronic direction. In addition, they use a lot
of horns and piano. This legendary psych outfit can still produce very trippy
material. The whole album is a very laid-back and electronic in nature.
The downbeat electronica brings Massive Attack to mind, without a doubt.
"A Cabin In The Sky" with trip hop drum beat, beautiful vocals, organ,
piano and violin sounds a lot like Mezzanine album. There are some fine
female/male vocals on this record, and hypnotic and beautiful moods.
"A Good Place to Hide" is smoky nightclub jazz, "Moog Destroyer" groovy,
a bit faster, even danceable instrumental with strong bass sounds.
Some of the best stuff on the CD is Spacemen 3 like "When Nemo Sank The Nautilus"
with a great, hypnotic ending. A fine album, and on the basis of this,
I just have to get familiar with the group's early material, as well, '
cause I have to admit, that I haven't done that. Third Wave is also
available ob vinyl, which brings extra points.
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PAINE
Dioxidetunnel with a Red-light and Endless Feeling CD-EP
Kaari (Nm-3)
What do we get when we combine three ex/current Circle members and
a drummer from Kuusumun Profeetta/Moon Fog Prophet? Well, Paine,
of course! The members are Juha Ahtiainen (drums, keyboards),
Jyrki Laiho (guitar, keyboards), Janne Peltomäki (drums, bass)
and Veli Nuorsaari (drums, bass). Juha is also involved in a band
called Ovalki, Jyrki has played in Ektroverde and Circle for years,
and Veli plays also in Alien Heat, who are about to release their
debut album any day now. This EP has four instrumental tracks:
"Dioxidetunnel", "With a red-light", "And Endless" and "Feelings".
The first track is very heavy and psychedelic, monotonic monster.
It gives me a twisted, "everything's not all right" feeling,
a bit spooky piece. The following track is the one that sounds
the most like early Circle. Heavy stuff again, teutonic, and
merciless piece. "With a Red-light" has some great far-out
vocal samples, and synth that sounds like a bombing siren!
The last track is all one riff with screaming guitars. All
the tracks are hypnotic, heavy and rather short, 3:04 - 4:44 in length.
The sound is a bit lo-fi, but I guess that's how they like it to be.
The band themselves mention Primal Scream, Rammstein and Faust as
reference points, quite righteously, but to me they sound more
like early Circle. The homemade covers with ultra sound picture
are very suitable for the mood. This little EP works well, but
if they are going to record a full length, I hope they'll also
include some softer songs... This is VERY HEAVY, I mean... I couldn't
take it for 60 minutes or so. Having said that, I do really enjoy
this EP and am looking forward to hear some more stuff by this
Pori-based band. You can email them to the following
address: PA1N3@hotmail.com.
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KEITH CHRISTMAS
Acoustica
Woronzow Records (WOO 54)
Keith Christmas is a unique singer/songwriter who released
a bunch of albums in the late 60's and 70's. A couple of
them also included Woronzow Records' Adrian Shaw on bass.
Now Keith is back with a whole new instrumental CD played
with only acoustic guitars. This might sound a bit alarming
to some, but this is high quality stuff. He's a very talented
acoustic guitar player, and his compositions are gentle and
interesting. Keith has written, produced and mixed all the
tracks by himself. The CD sounds very airy and crispy; top
notch producing. There are, luckily for us, also some nice
psychedelic effects on the guitars at times, to give this
album more variety. I'm not sure how to describe the music,
but I guess it's somewhat progressive, but having its roots
in blues ("Coolbox" in particular). It also has this
enlightening, New Age vibration. This is very good music
for relaxation, maybe after a hard day's work, or just
after waking up on a lazy Sunday morning. Even though this
is not the kind of music I listen that much, I've grown to
like this album a lot. Here a some track titles to give
you some idea: "Easy", "Awakening", "Sliding", "Ascension",
"Floating". And these are very descriptive. Again,
check www.woronzow.co.uk
for details and samples.
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KLINICZNY
Solis E.P.
Plugmusik (plug09, CD-R)
This is a new self-released CD-R by V. Partti from Helsinki.
His earlier similar releases that I'v
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