 |
|
|
MESMER
Sugar Sermon
Mälsä Kolhoosi (kolhoz 4-2004)
There's always been a little soft spot for dark gothic rock in me. Mesmer from Tampere is, as their name suggests, a very hypnotic and at times also psychedelic trio, so I like this a lot. Sugar Sermon is tidied up and a bit altered version of their promo CD-R that I reviewed for Psychotropic Zone earlier this year. The sound has improved a bit, although it's not perfect, I think. The order of the tracks has also changed and they have dropped "Subutex Willer" out, I wonder if my review had anything to do with this?! The slow and magical "Absinth Letter" still works as the opener and does a great job. "Heavenly Narcotic" is slow and hypnotic, one of my favourites. Then they have added a bit faster track called "Murderscene A4", and I'm sure all black lips will enjoy this with its old-school drum machine. "Bardo Hangar" is a psychedelic web of sound, a great interlude. Then follows the mesmerising "Heavenly Narcotic, pt. 2" that makes your brain solidify. Good guitar playing and a great, dark track in other ways as well! "Shellsong" is faster stuff again, and reminds me of many 80's goth bands and towards the end it goes quite crazy. The last track "Bowery" is yet again slower stuff, a beautiful and fitting ending for a good album. This is worth getting for example from www.stupido.fi, if you're into dark, hypnotic music with lots of keyboards and a good singer.
www.mesmermusic.tk
[ back to top ]
MOSES HAZY
Again
Self-released CD EP (MOSES-002)
I had never heard about this young band from Tornio until their second EP arrived by mail.
These Lappish boys play some kind of freak rock, all right, and they are pretty tough.
The first track "Virginia Peng" brings Dildo Mania strongly to mind. The next one,
a beautiful and nice "Judas of Today" is closer to garage rock, a good composition.
The sax is a bit out of tune which distracts a bit, but this is still the best
song on the CD reminding me a bit of The Flaming Sideburns' more peaceful tracks, and maybe also TSOOL.
"Suck My Elbow" is a faster rock piece, rock 'n roll! These fellows have enough drive for sure. The last track
"Annie the Aunt of Rock 'n' Roll" is more on the Deep South blues department and even has some banjo on it.
The peaceful middle part with sax solo is the most interesting to me. This Moses Hazy is a rather okay band,
but since this is not psychedelia, this is not just my kind of stuff. They gain some extra points for having
a keyboard player and a saxophonist in addition to the basic combo.
By the way, Trash Can Records are helping with the distribution of this disc.
www.moseshazy.net
[ back to top ]
JELLYFISH SYNDROME
Demo 2004
Jellyfish Syndrome is a surprisingly groovy band from Sweden playing dirty and loud stoner rock. The sticker on the cover says "sexually frustrated sonic fuzz ass rock", so maybe that casts some light on the matter?! This CD-R has five tracks and is over 30 minutes long, although before the last track there are 10 minutes of silence… These fellows rock out pretty hard and the guitar sound is nicely distorted. The sound is very suitable for this kind of music in all the other aspects, as well. A little bit of humour and sort of twisted touch does some good for this band. QOTSA albums must have been spinning around in their record players. All the actual tracks are very functional blasts and especially the fast "8424" rages on with full power. The last, acoustic number is some kind of version of this one. One other very heavy good number is the energetic "Cinnamon Song". It's worthwhile to go and listen to tracks from this and previous releases on the band's web site, and let's hope that they can put a full-length together soon enough, because they rock.
www.jellyfishsyndrome.com
[ back to top ]
Various Artists:
Million Tongues Festival
Bastet (BAST 003)
This interesting compilation album presents the bands that played in Chicago at this festival that took place in August of 2004. This is pretty colourful bunch, by the way. The albums starts with a cheerful freak beat number from 1967 by Michael (Yonkers) and The Mumbles. Then it's time for a few noisy, punky Japanese psych bands, some of these have a rather muddy sound. LSD March is the best example of this genre. The tough and heavy style continues with the nicely deranged track "Synaptic Prothesis" by Inner Throne. Then follows some US bands, each more obscure than the other (at least for me), the miserable live recordings irritate me a bit occasionally. After the hard rocking it's time to hear a bit more peaceful stuff, and a sort of folksy phase begins. A very good track in this section is the fragile "Under The Waterfall" by Espers. Rather archaic and primitive stuff is delivered by PG Six and Fursaxa. Then we're taken into really cosmic atmospheres when Kawabata Makoto delivers us a piece of space with Kinski. Excellent! The rest of the album includes the strangest experimental sound collages and robotic pulses. Overwhelming… So this is a pretty varied album that somehow succeeds to hold itself together. Most of the 20 tracks on the album are previously unreleased. Actually the only complaint I have is the bad sound quality of some of the tracks. Bastet is a record label of the American magazine Arthur, and this compilation has in addition to the festival only been available through this very interesting mag.
www.arthurmag.com
[ back to top ]
CENSUS OF HALLUCINATIONS
Nine Lives
Stone Premonitions (SPCD 045)
Oh yeah, it's again time to get some positive vibes from one of the best bands in the international underground music network. As the title suggests, this is already the ninth album by Census of Hallucinations. There is remarkable improvement compared to the last album (The Eight Dwarf). The production is even more successful, some of the songs are now better, and everything just works fine. The psychedelic level is at times really deep, but there are also some nice melodic songs (like "Mock Honesty") reminding me of the Magic Mushroom Band's lighter acid pop hits. The band magnificently keeps alive the spirit of the free festival scene, and they have taken some influences at least by Gong and Hawkwind. Manuel Göttsching styled guitar playing is apparent on a several tracks, as well. Some of the tracks sound a bit like early Porcupine Tree. There's also a nice version of the Peter Green classic "The Green Manalishi". Some of the tracks are more ambient oriented and mainly played with synthesisers. There's also some humour on the album from time to time, as well as weird samples and effected narration. There are 18 tracks on the CD all together most of which are rather short. In my opinion, Tim Jones and Terri-B combine the ideology of the hippy age and modern technology very well. The playing, singing and drum programming is flawless, and they have used quest musicians when ever needed. So this is a very varied album with many different tones and it keeps you tightly in its grip. The album is just suitably hallucinatory to make it interesting in normal as well as altered states of consciousness. This must be one of the best underground releases of 2004! By the way, congratulations on the 10th birthday of Stone Premonitions label.
www.aural-innovations.com/stonepremonitions
[ back to top ]
RÅD KJETIL AND THE LOVING EYE OF GOD
Goddamn I'm a Countryman Records (Countryman 005)
Great, a new album from the folks from the Swedish The Spacious Mind! Although the names of the musicians are not revealed, the connection is rather clear here… This is again quite different affair after the solo albums by Jens and Henrik, but the quality hasn't dropped one bit, for sure. The first track "Now Cover Your Body with Black Light" starts with a soft organ drone soon joined by beautiful acoustic guitars. Towards the end of this over 10 minutes long piece we got to hear also some electric guitar and drums. A truly cosmic and pretty experience! "I Dauflom" is a very deranged collage of weird sounds and pieces of conversation in Swedish. Really psychedelic! "They Used To Be Like Children, Carefree…Always Happy and Laughing" could well be from the More album by Pink Floyd, relaxing and beautiful. Then they go into more obscure direction again with "Dal-Jani Välta", although after like two minutes of psychedelic turmoil a well-defined track begins giving room for nice, consciousness-expanding electric guitar solos. I guess this is the part on this album that sounds the most like The Spacious Mind. "Let's Build a Small Vessel and Land Inside Her Heart" is yet again a bit more peaceful, acoustic guitar driven piece with a fantastic ending. The last track "Deleirs Dess" starts very quietly with an organ drone soon joined by little sound effects and some backwards guitar. This is pretty much what happens during the whole number. Apparently they have saved the heavier rev and rocking for the next, long-awaited TSM album, since this release is, all in all, a rather tranquil, meditative and relaxing. This still is fantastic album and a must-have for all TSM and Holy River Family Band fans, and a recommended experiment for anyone who's interested in floating his or her mind in the cosmic currents somewhere beyond consciousness.
www.countrymanrecords.com
[ back to top ]
HOTGUITARS/DRAKE`S MEDICINE
Split 7"
Kevyt nostalgia/Sweetcore (KENO-04/SCORE-01)
Hotguitars is formed by two fellows Teemu Korpipää and Jyrki Laiho, known for example for their Circle connections. In this project of theirs they can make as much noise and tumult as they feel like and play and release what ever they want, I guess. Prior to this they have released a couple of EP's featuring very experimental stuff. They continue along the same lines with this split. The first track "Partisans and Guerrillas" is a sort of more laid back and feeble experiment, but "False Testimonies - Grind Symphony in 5 Parts" as the title says is totally mindless grind gore noise: a merciless and very intensive sound assault to the ears, chaotic hullabaloo. The last track "Firm Iconoclast" is luckily a more peaceful piece again, and you can even hear what's happening. Rather psychedelic, swelling stuff. Drake's Medicine was formed by a few guys from Kotka as a therapy band, and they have played live at least at the Mental Alaska club. They improvise all the music they play, so the same tracks won't be heard another time ever. On this single they offer an improvisation called "Find the Major Mistake" that was recorded in 2003 when the band was still only a trio. A nice, instrumental piece and I can sense some post rock touch. The heaviest parts remind me a bit of GSYBE!, although with a smaller orchestration. I would like to hear more of this. It's a good idea to get this single fast, since Kevyt nostalgia has already sold out their share of the 200 copies!
www.sweetcore.org
[ back to top ]
TENZENMEN PRESENTS
Eccentrics, issue #2
Tenzenmen (002TZM)
Ex-Circle guitarist Jyrki Laiho (now in Kuusumun profeetta, among other things) was friendly enough to sell me his archive copies of the
first two Circle vinyls, and in the same package he also sent me this weird three-band split release. Tenzenmen is apparently
an Australian label so far focused on releasing this kind of records. Their web site says they are interested in all extreme,
outrageous, amusing, adventurous, improvised etc. music. This CD is well in between those lines. The album starts with six
tracks by Japanese Limited Express (has gone?), and I've never heard anything of them before. Rather heavy, noisy, technical and fun stuff.
The female singer's very high-pitched and theatrical voice is the thing that stands out. Strange. Then it's time for a trio called
Stalwart formed by Jyrki Laiho, Veli Nuorsaari and Janne Peltomäki. Their CD EP Torment Nonplus released a little while ago was
a promising preview of their heavy and hypnotic rolling also present on this album. They have packed seven merciless assaults into
twenty plus minutes. You can still hear some old Circle in there, but there's a lot of other stuff, as well. Jyrki also sings,
especially in a track called "Girl Parade Trainee". "Sickened by Symbolism" is a pretty fast track, phew! Then follows some heavy,
slow riffing, but cacophonic, psychedelic elements are always present, as well. This is rather experimental, heavy as hell and odd stuff.
I'm a bit scared if the possibly pretty soon-to-be-released full length will also be this merciless head banging all the time,
but this works like an evil kübel in 20 minutes long dosages. It would also be nice to get this band to play live, maybe with
some reinforcements. The last orchestra on this CD is also from Finland and called Plat Ypus, and I'm ashamed to say that
I don't really know much about them. A couple of shorter tracks were recorded already in 1997, the over 14 minutes long
"Black Hand Rising" in 2002. This quartet plays rather noisy and weird, obviously improvisation-based stuff. There are also some programming and sound college-like elements in there to give nice extra colour to their sound. This is
rather confusing compilation, but I'm sure this kind of stuff has plenty of listeners!
www.ten-zen-men.com
[ back to top ]
HYPNOS 69
Forrest of Illusion/Colour Haze
Flowers split 10"
Electrohasch (Electrohasch 091)
Now this is a nice split release by Hypnos 69 from Belgium and the German Colour Haze. The last-mentioned I was quite familiar with already, but Hypnos 69 was a completely new acquaintance for me, although I'd heard the name of the band in several occasions before. They have released a few CD's, and are relatively popular, I suppose. On this little vinyl there's one long track by them called "Forrest of Illusion" that is divided in two parts. A great song, and fits well together with Colour Haze, although the music of Hypnos 69 seems to be a bit softer, more subtle and prettier than their German friends. At times they do go into stoner rock mode, as well. The band also includes a saxophone player, although on this track we don't get to hear him. There are two tracks on the Colour Haze side: first "Flowers" that can also be found on their latest CD, and then "Amo Te" recorded in 2003 and apparently not released anywhere else. "Flowers" is a really nice song presenting the band's more melodic side. "Amo Te" is a mid-tempo boogie that at times rocks a bit harder as well. Fender Rhodes creates a wonderful, airy atmosphere. Stephan's guitar slicks are candy for the ears, as always. This is a really enjoyable 10", and the limited edition of 1000 is numbered.
www.elektrohasch.de
[ back to top ]
HYPNOS 69
The Intrigue of Perception
Elektrohasch (Elektrohasch 103)
This Belgian psychedelic band that was formed in 1994 has taken its name from a Greek god of sleep and subconscious. This is their third official CD and the first that I've ever got to review. I thought this to be more fuzz/stoner rock, but the intensive and strong opener of this album called "The Endless Void" is the only track getting close to this category, and only at its climax parts. Mellotron brings more exciting effect, and saxophone is already well presented. This sounds a bit like the band's soul mates Colour Haze. The following "Good Sinner-Bad Sinner" is from a totally different world with its soft jazz influences. One of the best tracks is the slow tempo and dreamy "Third Nature" that sounds a bit like Pink Floyd but especially King Black Acid who, by the way, happens to be one of my favourite bands. Heavy guitar solo! Then follows "Twisting the Knife" that is the album's fast rocking piece. My little son liked very much to dance to this one. I guess this is some kind of heavy prog rock, a very energetic song. The title track is divided in five parts and is the great, progressive master piece of the CD. The first movement "Islands on the Sun" is a tranquil and beautiful space ballad in the DarXtar style. There's also some acoustic guitar and organ in there. The chorus has great harmony vocals. The second part is a very serene saxophone solo part, at times I'm reminded of Nik Turner. Then a synthesiser sequence begins and the track really starts to move again in a magnificent way. Very pretty prog rock, awesome! The tender last part of the track reminds me of Camel. It has a simple but exquisite melody. Towards the end the music grows somewhat, and I'm also reminded of Van Der Graaf Generator. All in all this is probably the best song on the album. "Absent Friends" finishes the album in a beautiful and easy way with some clarinet and psychedelic, delayed guitar. Hypnos 69 was a really positive surprise in all its variety, and since the sound quality is also excellent, I just have to recommend this CD for everyone into psychedelic and progressive rock. In addition I must praise the nice graphics on the cover booklet featuring the lyrics.
www.hypnos69.tk
[ back to top ]
MERZBOW
Sha Mo 3000
Essence Music (ESS003)
Since I'm not exactly a noise fan, I have so far somehow been able to avoid even the releases by this Japanese king of noise.
Merzbow is Masami Akita who has released incalculable amounts of albums since the early 90's. The albums are apparently
very different from each other, but the fellow has, any way, gained great success and respect all over the world.
This is his latest release and the first one released in Brasilia. The psychedelic miniature LP covers made by the
artist himself instantly attracted my attention. Also the name of the artist was so familiar that I was anxious to hear
what the album would sound like. The first time I listened to it I was pretty thunderstruck: how can anybody bear to listen to
this kind of tangled buzz and hum? Little by little the music started to offer new meanings and I begin to be able to make
something out of it. Underneath all the digital noise you can occasionally recognize guitars and beats. This still is extremely experimental. There are five tracks on the album lasting together close to 66 minutes. The first one called "Suzunami" is just noise, but already the second, screeching title track also features some rhythm. Loops and samples are in frequent use, and the end result is very weird. I like best the last two tracks that are maybe a bit mellower but rather psychedelic. For ears that have not been that much exposed to noise this album still is rather heavy experience, although an interesting and extreme one. The CD was also released in a limited edition of 99 copies as a box edition with several extras, but this was naturally sold out immediately. Also the standard edition is limited to 900 copies.
www.essence-music.com
[ back to top ]
CIRCLE
Forest
Ektro Records (EKTRO-028)
These fellows just keep on regenerating. Forest is, yet again,
a very different Circle album. They have now totally forgotten about
the heavy, crunching distorted guitar riffs, and the job is now done
with acoustic guitars. There's no bass to be heard, either. What's
new is the primitive, downright tribal percussion played by all the
four band members, and the fast burbling synthesiser patterns and
sequencers. Also the vocals are very different than on the previous
albums. First of all they are in English (even though the titles
are in Finnish), and pretty peaceful and atmospheric. "Luikertelevat lahoavat"
features some church choir like vocals like the two first albums, as well.
I wonder if this comes from Lehtisalo's track record in a church choir?
There are four long tracks on the CD that are quite uniform in mood.
While listening to this album one gets the feeling of being in the
middle of some gloomy magical forest, and its strange, otherworldly
creatures are communicating with you. The feeling is a bit frightening,
but more like intoxicating and beckoning. In a usual Circle manner the
tracks are strongly based on hypnotic repetition that gets some little
variation added to it so the listener who is transported into trance is
lured to fully concentrate on the music. Now the lo-fi aesthetics
cultivated on Guillotine and Vesiliirto are luckily forgotten, and the
album sounds extremely good, although not over-produced. I think that the
best track is the last one called "Jäljet" that really captivates the listener.
Forest is a very good disc by the best band in Finland, and an absolute
must for everyone into psychedelic, hypnotic music. Worth getting is also
the live album Empire released on vinyl, and there should be two other
new Circle albums surfacing later this year, as well.
www.ektrorecords.com
[ back to top ]
RÄTTÖ JA LEHTISALO
Pari lepakkoa Transylvaniassa
Ektro Records (EKTRO-029)
Circle members Jussi Lehtisalo and Mika Rättö continue their
journey into rock stardom with their second duet. Unlike their
previous album Kopernikus hortoilee näkinkengässä this one is
almost completely acoustic in nature. Neu!-styled, machine-like
drum comp can only be heard on a track called "Peltojen poikki
pääkaupunkiin" that with its sequencers and keyboards is the
only space pop tune sounding like the first CD. This instrumental
is also one of my favourites. Otherwise the album is carried very
strongly with only acoustic guitars and vocals, although other
tracks have some keyboards too, and there's also some harmonica.
As was the case with the previous album, Aki Peltonen who recorded
and mixed this album, also plays some guitars, and in addition
the last, rather abstract piece "Kaksituhatta vuotta" features
Janne Tuomi on drums. "Harmittava levitaatiotapaus" also has
some wacky ancient typewriter sounds. This album was quite
a surprise for me, since I was expecting these friends to go
into more danceable direction. The reason for this fantasy was
one track that I heard on the radio that was some kind of
sleaze-funk-pop-disco. Jussi had made the decision to drop
a couple of songs in this style from the album, because they
didn't fit in with its acoustic overall tone. Don't worry:
these tracks that were left our will be released in vinyl format
later on! One of the best tracks on the album in my opinion is
the longest and mystical "Neitsyt ja runoilija" with lyrics
about some pagan sacrificial rite. Some of the lyrics are
rather funny, even humorous. There is also a lot of different
kind of human voice and universal rock-pop phonemes. Pari lepakkoa
Transylvaniassa is a rather peaceful affair, and even if it's
not exactly folk, the acoustic guitars bring in similar moods.
There are also some psychedelic elements, but they are presented
in a very subtle way. This album needs a few times before you can
really get into it, but after that is a very enjoyable and
listening durable. So the potency of Rättö and Lehtisalo is
still excellent, I must admit that. Extra points for the
marvellous cover graphics!
www.circlefinland.com/mikajajussi.html
[ back to top ]
THE PHONIES
Instant Elation
Oy Motley Ltd
This is the first full-lenght CD by the Kokkola-based band The Phonies.
Tom Stenman and Risto Lehtomaa, the songwriters of the band, were in
a power pop band called The Refresments in the early nineties, and
they were relatively successful. After that they had a band called
Mental Market that has lately transformed into The Phonies. You can
easily hear echoes of Neil Young's output on this CD, and these fellows
are also big Bevis Frond fans. There's even a frisky version of a track
"Down in the Well" by the Frond in there, and what's most important,
they have been able to get Nick Saloman, the maestro himself, to play
a heavenly twin-solo on one of the tracks! That fact in itself makes
this album worth buying, but it has many other merits, as well. The music
happens to be very good, catchy, melodic guitar-oriented rock-pop, also
having some psychedelic tinges. Roky Erikson is also credited as one of
the influences. Mostly some of the melodies, the strings and mellotron
make me think the Norwegian band Motorpsycho and even Dipsomaniacs,
although the album is more 70's than 60's oriented in mood. The use of
moog and organ brings in some progressive rock feel. The playing and
production is flawless, and Stenman's clear voice pours deep into you.
The lyrics are rather dark and disturbed. All in all a very successful
debut album, and definitely worth checking out!
www.thephonies.net
[ back to top ]
MAGIC MUSHROOM BAND
Singles and Rarities/Process of Illumination/Re-Hash/RU Space Out 2
Voiceprint (VP287CD/VP309CD/VP284CD/VP286CD)
Magic Mushroom Band has been one of my favourite bands for years now. Even if they haven't done
anything since 1994 when their other band Astralasia started being more successful. The band presents
the 80's British free festival scene at its best, along with Ozric Tentacles. So they are part of
this hippy crowd you could meet at Stonehenge during the solstice or at various other festivals.
The band was able to release seven albums and four EP's before they disbanded. The original limited
vinyl pressings with fancy covers are very wanted stuff among the collectors of psychedelic rock.
Voiceprint has made a big favour for the music culture by re-releasing most of the band's output.
They have also released a couple of compilations by the band. Singles and Rarities includes, as the
title suggests, tracks from the singles of the band. "Pictures in My Mind" opens the album and is
one of their best tracks. This crystallizes the band's space pop sound perfectly. They also recorded
some cover songs from time to time, so you can find splendid versions of "Eight Miles High" and
"Set the Controls for the Heart of The Sun" on this CD. "Magic Eye" is one of the most famous
tracks by the band, and now we're talking about the newer, ambient-trance version. Possibly the
rarest stuff are the two remixes and one edit from the Freshly Picked promo CD EP. This compilation
is worth buying, even if (like me) you have all the band's releases, since all this is re-mastered
and easy to listen to.
Process of Illumination has been one of my favourite MMB albums for a long time.
Their version of the Beatles acid classic "Tomorrow Never Knows" opens the album in a magnificent way.
There are many other great songs on this album, as well. Re-Hash was the band's project to
re-arrange some of their old tracks to more danceable, electronic way in Astralasia style.
Many of the new versions are better than the originals! There are also interesting versions of
tracks "Are You Experienced" (Hendrix) and "My White Bicycle" (Tomorrow). RU Spaced Out 2 was the
second last album by the band. This is also one my favourites. As usual, you can find both catchy
space pop tunes and more hazy instrumentals on this album. I just have to mention a nice version of
"Hurry on Sundown" originally by Hawkwind. I think that it's really great that Voiceprint has
released these superb albums re-mastered, so that this cool band won't disappear in history.
The original cover graphics, inserts and lyrics are printed in the booklets, although some of the
text is in too small print for me too read. The only little complaint is that there are no bonus tracks.
In addition to these, Voiceprint has also released albums Spaced Out and Magic, but I didn't get these.
The most interesting of the missing releases is for sure a compilation called Spaced Out III: Outtakes and
Spacecakes, since this is the only one with unreleased material on it. This might well have been added to
the other CD's as bonus material, of course…If you happened to miss this band the first time, now it's
about time to get to know them.
www.voiceprint.co.uk
[ back to top ]
MANA MANA
Kuolla elävänä - Live 2001
Riemu (riemucd-008)
Mana Mana is one of the coolest Finnish bands ever, PERIOD. This band that was formed in
Joensuu at the latter part of the 80's was part of the underground punk/HC craze that was going on. What separated
them from their more brisk strong home-made brew drinking partners was that these lads swam in a lot slower,
heavier and more mystical waters. The song writer of the band was the legendary Jouni Mömmö, whose sickly
Finnish lyrics gave the weird music even metaphysical qualities. Jouni was in some way mentally sick, and
he expressed his dark thoughts through his lyrics in a cruel way. The lyrics are usually about death, insane
apocalyptic visions of limbo and of course, in a Finnish way, about problems in relationships
between a man and a woman. Mental health problems and unhealthy life style took this mad genius too early to other spheres in 26.10.1991. The band only made a couple of singles and one magnificent album Totuus palaa (The Truth Is Burning) before Jouni's death. These are already collectors' items, but luckily the Kaikki-Complete compilation covers all that material.
Otra Romppanen, the guy who created the massive guitar wall of the band,
has among his other bands (Enter, Psychoplasma etc.) resurrected Mana Mana every now and then during the years and played a few gigs (sometimes with as many as seven guitarists!) to honour Jouni's legacy, and even released an excellent album Murheen laakso composed of songs that Jouni left behind. The last time I saw the band was at Nosturi sometime in 2001, and the band was very tight. The same drive has apparently stayed with them until the Tavastia gig. Their last gig ever. They have picked the best tracks from the two hour gig, and this works out very well. Kaltsu does Mömmö's vocals with piety, and Otra plays some marvellous solos. I don't actually miss any song, so they have made some good choices. A few faster rock pieces are very refreshing in the middle of this CD otherwise full of really gloomy and melancholy boom. At some point I heard some rumours that there were some technical problems with the recording, but even if that was true, there's no sing of that now. So the sound is very satisfactory, and with high volume the album works like a log! This album full of doomsday trumpets and dark visions for all the fans and those into heavy rock with good, dark melodies is absolutely worth buying.
www.riemu.com
[ back to top ]
ENTER
Harder CD-EP
Riemu (riemucds-007)
Enter is one of the bands that Otra Romppanen has put together after Mana Mana. After one single the band released a CD called Yah-hah in 1997 through Metamorphos. This new four track EP was recorded already in 1998, but released just recently at the same time as the Mana Mana live album. Enter also played a record release gig in Helsinki, but unfortunately I was unable to make it. If you want to compare this "new" EP with Mana Mana, you can say that this is not so heavy and gloomy, but this is a bit more complicated. Otra, who's one of the best guitarists in Finland does the vocals in English, too. The first track "Too Much" rocks on nicely and tells about a lost friend (Jouni Mömmö?). I'm guessing that "Thanks for Nothing" expresses Otra's feelings at the moment, the chorus goes like "now I'm looking for a better way to express myself 'cause I'm always so down". He had to find something new, and this EP is a bit lighter than the previous works he had made. "(So Much) Harder" has a peaceful, slow intro and is again a bit darker track telling about the hardships of love. That might explain the cover painting by Juha Siitonen. The keyboard part in the middle of the track surprises you in a nice way. "Open Your Mind" is then again a bit more cheerful tune. There's a nice psychedelic middle part wit delay guitars, and the end of the track is just awesome guitar solo feast! Otra rules.
www.riemu.com
[ back to top ]
RUOTOMIELI
Koiruohobluesband
Mielilevyt (MILE03)
This is the second CD by Ruotomieli from Oulu. This band plays wild rock and combines, just the way it wants, Finnish rock, The Who, Neil Young, blues and psychedelia. The band has clearly developed since the debut album: the playing is even tighter and they also have some better songs. They certainly don't lack any energy, since these guys let it go with all the rage of their youth. In addition to the basic rock instruments there's also some saxophone and many kinds of keyboards, which adds a lot. I think that the band is at its best in the instrumental passages that are occasionally very inventive and also mind-expanding. A lot of the choruses are pretty clever, too. At their worst, the band the band is in some of the verses sounding almost like Popeda. This kind of stupid macho stuff really isn't for me. So my reactions to this band are rather ambivalent. Maybe they need a good producer, although they seem like guys who do exactly as they wish. Okay, let's concentrate on the strongest points of the album. "Elämä on kuin torakka" brings Neil Young's beautiful, mid-tempo songs heavily to mind. Piano is a nice extra. "Yksi kuppi kahvia" isn't exactly one of the best tracks, but I just have to mention it, because it's a blues number that sounds, especially during the guitar solos, like Bevis Frond! The best stuff is saved to the end of the album. "Kerran tunsin tytön" has taken quite a lot of influences from the beginning of "21st Century Schizoid Man" by King Crimson, even the saxophone. This heavy track works very well. High quality stuff is also the next track "Jäinen päivä helvetin revisited" with a nice, desolate chorus melody, a good solo part, groovy touch, electric piano middle part etc. A rather progressive as a whole and the best thing again is the instrumental part. This one also has some interesting psychedelic elements included. A very fine track is also the pretty "Marrasenkeli", and Mellotron, Moog and Hammond are helping to create the mood. This slow and long track also includes some fine instrumental parts, a sax solo and Deep Purple and Uriah Heep styled keyboard solos. I can only hope that the band would concentrate on this kind of stuff and would forget the mediocre standard rock into some deep swamp.
www.ruotomieli.net
[ back to top ]
PETER WRIGHT
Distant Bombs
Last Visible Dog (LVD 056)
Distant Bombs is part of the Last Visible Dog's project to make albums that were
originally released in a small quantity (and usually on CD-R) available again.
This album was recorded in 2001-2002, while Peter Wright was still living in New Zealand.
I haven't heard any of the fellow's other releases, so I can't compare. The music resembles some of the other LVD artists like for example Black Forest/Black Sea and Birchville Cat Motel, though. This album presents clearly some of the best sound of the genre, so this is no lo-fi stuff. The album was made mostly with guitars and violin that were fed through all kinds of effects. The end result is very minimal, ambient and pleasant. There are also for example some sounds of the sea included, and all kinds of electronic devices. The last, short track "Undertow" has in addition to the picked guitar also vocals. The 43 minutes of this CD include seven tracks, so there are no ultra-long drones here. If you're interested in this kind of experimental ambient, then this one is worth checking out.
lvd.4mg.com
[ back to top ]
JÄÄPORTTI
Uumenissa
Firebox Records (Firecd021)
Jääportit (Ice Gates in English) is a one-man project from Oulu in the Northern Finland.
Tuomas M-Mäkelä has composed, recorded, mixed and produced this, his third release, by himself.
Uumenissa includes one hour's worth of dreamlike, atmospheric electronic ambient music played with
synthesizers, samplers, sequencers, piano, organ, mellotron and other strange electronic devices.
The album was recorded between 1999 and 2004, and the sound quality is excellent. Tuomas gives Brian Eno, Tangerine Dream, Aphex Twin, Vangelis and Steve Roach as his influences. This album also reminds me of Klaus Schultze, since this is very cosmic music. In Finland, Nemesis, Siniaalto and Kliniczny are bands a bit in the same vein. Uumenissa is very relaxed album, and it is very suitable for nocturnal listening, or for background music to your afternoon nap. The music has a special ability to create interesting images onto the wide screen of your mind; at least I think I can sense something about the essence of the northern nature. This is really good stuff, so if you're going to buy just one ambient album this year, it could very well be this one.
www.jaaportit.net
[ back to top ]
UEH & KAWABATO MAKOTO
Pataphysical Overdrive to My Cosmos
Acid Mothers Temple (AMTCD-014)
I hadn't heard about this French band Ueh before, but apparently they have released one studio
album and one live album so far. It looks like they usually play just instrumental music, but on this album there are also some vocals. So this is a collaboration CD with Kawabata Makoto from Acid Mother Temple, and it has two tracks by Ueh, one collaboration and one Kawabata solo track. An almost 19 minutes long Ueh track "Monade" opens up the CD. That's very nice, ethereal and airy post rock, obviously mostly based on improvisation. At times there are also some programmed drums. Beautiful and hazy in a nice way, so if you like bands like GSYBE! or Magyar Posse, you might well like this too. I know I do! The shorter Ueh track "Pataphysical Overdrive" sounds like it could very well be from some of the mid-seventies albums by Amon Düül II. Pretty nice three and a half minutes of a bit faster stuff. "Sunsets on the Moon" starts with about six minutes of ambient, peaceful improvisation, before the comp starts rolling. Ueh recorded their tracks in France and Kawabata added some bowed and glissando guitar that actually reminds me somewhat of Steve Howe's guitar work on the classic Yeas albums, in Japan. Anyway, the end result is rather hypnotic and magical. Kawabata's solo piece "At Last I Got You" is the longest on the album, and also the most tranquil one. In addition to the guitars Kawabata sings and there's also some electronics in use to create a rather psychedelic atmosphere.
www.acidmothers.com
www.maisondrole.com/ueh
[ back to top ]
MAQUILADORA WITH KAWABATO MAKOTO
Kiss Over
Acid Mothers Temple (AMTCD-007 & 008)
This is great, absolutely one of the best collaboration projects that Mr. kawabato has put
his acidic fingers into. Maguiladora (www.maquiladora.cx/bio.html), a threesome from San Diego and Kawaba Makoto, the Speed Guru himself, have made two CD's worth of soft, mellow and spiritually deep moody downer psychedelia. This in one of the most beautiful albums I've heard for a while. The music is mainly played with bass, guitars, piano, organs and keyboards. The melancholic, exquisite vocals fit the, usually pretty minimal, mood perfectly. Even Kawabata is able to hold himself and stays in pretty tender atmospheres. At times you can hear tones from bands like Spiritualized and early Pink Floyd, but this is even softer. Good music for floating, that is! There are no actual percussions, and you don't really miss them either. In addition to all this, we got to hear the bubbling marks of Cotton "Super" Casino's cigarette-stained hands as a guest synthesizer player. Kiss Over is an excellent album that holds the listener in its magical grip for the whole length of the double CD. The package includes 19 tracks and nice booklet graphics. Get it!
www.acidmothers.com
[ back to top ]
DOCTOR KETTU
Gobmi Kalasnikov
Haamumaa CD-R
This mystical collective is before this released five limited edition CD-R's on Super Metsä,
and I have been able to obtain one of those. This, their latest, is a 52 minute trip into the deep coma of humanity. The eternal drone makes you descent into strange places. There's a small upper actually only in the third track "Under the Sinlence" with the analogue noises that rise to the surface. Very deep stuff from a band that is rumoured to include also Circle memebers… Although the music is from a totally different world than the multiverse of that divine band. Gobmi Kalasnikov is thoroughly improvised free jam with a rather easy touch and style. Confusing stuff. Buy this fast before they're all gone!
www.angeltowns.com/members/haamumaa
[ back to top ]
THE INSULT THAT MADE A MAN OUT OF MAC
Semifinal 061103 CD-single
Riemu (riemucds-006)
The only time when I've previously bumped into this band was when I was reading a comic
strip book called Konrad Orbiter. These fellows happened to make a soundtrack to that magnificent work of sci-fi.
Their next album Mutant Puzzle (Spinefarm 1994).completely passed me by. After that the band has moved more to
the area of live music, and there are less machines now. The three tracks on this CD single are some kind of
hybrid of Ministry, Godflesh and Nine Inch Nails, but spiced with the Finnish rock tradition. "Sorry" opens the
single with merciless, detuned guitar riff and tight machine drums. The groaning vocals are the cream to the cake. "Head in the Box" is more traditional Finnish indie/guitar rock, although at the end the band goes wilder with screaming vocals. "Getaway" on the other hand, is a bit slower and heavier again. This is not exactly my kind of music (not psyche!;), but this is still pretty OK stuff.
www.insult.fi/
[ back to top ]
DIEGRINDER
Going Down
Rock Don't Suck Records (RDS001)
It's nice to get some real rock from the States to review for a change!
This stoner act from Detroit was raised up with a diet rich on Black Sabbath,
Kiss, AC/DC, Motörhead and Misfits, and this has left the fellows with an
inerasable mark. The boys have got this healthy kick-your-ass mentality and
they really let it rip with full power. These guys obviously worship their
Marshalls and Gibsons, because they seriously rock. Something like
Electric Wizard might be a good musical point of comparison. I'm guessing
this is their second release, and the CD has six tracks on it all ranging
from four to five minutes in length each, although the booklet only
mentions five of them. The stuff is bit samey, but heavy as hell.
One track in a bit different style might have been a good pick-me-up,
but I doubt if these guys care a shit about my opinion! This band
delivers good high-volume beer-drinking music that just pours out
energy when you just want to feel your trouser legs flap and don't
want to think too much. Rock! www.diegrinder.net
[ back to top ]
ZONE SIX
Psychedelic Scripture
Sunhair (SH 003)
This is the third album by this German band mostly based on improvisation. I've only
heard the first album Early Birds with longer and more tracks before, so I can't say anything about the second one. This CD
that was released as a digipack has two over 14 minutes ("Extremadura", "The Sacred Toad")
and one over 21 minutes long track ("The Pipe Dream"). The overall feel is very relaxed and
nicely psychedelic in a bubbling way. The album was recorded already in 2000, but not released
until this year. The female singer that was on the first album is now gone, but there has been
some increase on the keyboards/synths department. The music is very cosmic and can transport
the listener to imaginary journeys into strange places beyond reality. This is rather mellow
in its mood, but weird and twisted enough so it won't put you to sleep. Someone who's more
accustomed to more active and straight-forward stuff might be a bit bored, though. There are
drums only partially on two of the tracks, the last track "Sacred Toad" only includes a tiny
bit of percussions in the middle of all the hallucinatory soundscapes. Let's lick some toad, everybody...
[ back to top ]
SATURNIA
Hydrophonic Gardening
Mellow Records (MMP 451)
Saturnia is a band that usually functions as a duo and was founded by Portuguese multi-instrumentalist
Luis Simões in 1996. Compared to the previous album The Glitter Odd the music has changed into a bit more relaxed, and even more cosmic and psychedelic. The overall feel of the
album is very mellow and soft. The machine beat is still there, but dot so much in a trip hop/trance mode but
usually in a pretty elegantly and with ethnic flavours. Only the second track "Kozmische" has some more
aggressive drum stuff. The starter of the album is the title track full of very ambient stuff with water
sounds etc. One of the best tracks is "Sunflower" that is actually quite close to the releases of Fit & Limo
with its soft, magical acid folk atmosphere with flute, acoustic guitar and wonderful keyboards. It also has
some vocals, as do a couple of my other favourites. The magnificent "Vimania" is very oriental in mood because
of the sitar and other instruments. I'm strongly reminded of Pink Floyd particularly by the last track "Omnia"
that is one of the best tracks on the CD for sure. Hydrophonic Gardening is totally amazing album of great
soft psychedelia full of vintage keyboards, floating guitars, ethnic instruments beautiful vocals, theremin and
technology.
http://saturnia.cjb.net
[ back to top ]
NEUMEIR-GENRICH-SCHMIDT
Psychedelic Monsterjam
Sunhair (SH 002)
Mani Neumeier (Guru Guru): drums and percussion, Ax Genrich (ex-Guru Guru): guitar and Dave Schmidt
(ex-Liquid Visions, Weltraumstaunen, Zone Six, Sula Bassana): bass jam together from time to time, and
this album is put together from two of their live jam sessions in Würtzburg in 2003. Also included are
three old Guru Guru classics ("Stone In", "Next Time See You at the Dalai Lhama" and "Electric Junk").
They have resurrected the early kraut and space rock feel in a glorious way, and it's really nice that
they have also recorded some of these rare performances, albeit from the stage and only with two mics.
The sound is totally okay, though, and you can hear everything very well. All these gentlemen are excellent
musicians, and their improvisation flows out of them with ease. Particularly Genrich's guitar work is at
times very mind-expanding. Neumeier's percussion bring in some exciting ethnic flavours quite often.
Schmidt is an able and innovative bass player, and he is doing very nicely with these living legends.
I would also like to see this trio live. This CD is a very recommendable purchase for all the Guru Guru
fans and also for others who are into psychedelic improvisation.
www.psychedelic-network.de
[ back to top ]
WELTRAUMSTAUNEN
Weltraumwelt
Nasoni Records (CD 005/LP 029)
Weltraumstaunen is one of the best German psychedelia bands at the moment. It was founded in 1998
by Dave Schmidt (who at the time also played bass in Liquid Visions and Zone Six) and Andi Heinrich,
the singer/guitarist of Growing Seeds. Their first album, also released by Nasoni, is absolutely
one of the best psych albums of the new generation that has been released in Germany, and the
first pressing is already a collector's item. This, their second album, was recorded already
a couple of years ago, but released this year. The tracks are now shorter; there is only room for
one over ten minutes long track "Farsifadelic". The band combines space rock, psychedelic rock and
kraut in a marvellous way, and is at times very psychedelic and cosmic, mostly due to Dave's effects.
Andi is a die-hard Bevis Frond fan, and that shows a bit in his playing. Occasionally the band goes
to the stoner rock universe with its heaviness. The best tracks in my opinion are "Black Dove Part I"
and "Black Dove Part II" that start and end the album, and the extremely psychedelic "Hoffmans Mahl".
All in all, this is a very cool album, and if you dig modern psychedelic rock you're going to love this.
www.weltraumstaunen.de
[ back to top ]
THE SOUNDTRACK OF OUR LIVES
Origin Vol. 1
Warner/Telegram (5050467-1491-2-0)
I'm terrified with fear if a band that I really like has gained a huge success
and a new album is coming out. Sometimes my fears come true and the music is
awful commercial shit and has lost almost everything that I used to love.
The Swedish TSOOL have not sold-out, they have only tightened their grip and
wrote even better songs than before. Phew! Their latest album Behind The Music
released in 2001 was already successful for example in the USA, and I really
wish that this new one will get them into the position where Oasis will support
them on tour and not the other way around. TSOOL just happens to be at least
million times better band.
Although there are no weak songs on the album, I wonder why they put
"Believe I've Found" as the first track. This mid-tempo, not very memorable
song could have worked better a bit later. The next two tracks, on the
other hand, are totally unbelievable! "Transcendental Suicide" begins with
a pretty pizzicato guitar in the spirit of Love and soon changes into The Who
styled power chords. This is one of TSOOL songs that makes the cold shivers go
through my spine. Totally amazing hit song that after a psychedelic intermediate
phase goes into the first single track of the album, called "Bigtime". This is
TSOOL at its tightest; I can even detect sort of metronome-exact combination of
kraut rock and punky new wave. This is a rough one, and it's really great that
the single has climbed to the top of the Swedish charts! Congratulations!
"Heading for a Breakdown" cools down the mood a bit in The Rolling Stones mode,
but then we go full speed with a high-octane, The Stooges-spirited track called
"Mother One Track Mind". Excellent!
"Midnight Children" is the only song on the album that goes too close to the syrupy,
commercial light-music line. Ebbot sounds like some kind of a crossbreeding between
Lou Reed and Leonard Cohen. The fellows had an old single by one French female
singer at the studio, and they decided they just had to get her to sing in French
on this tracks as well, which is quite fun. "Lone Summer Dream" is nice and sunny
60's psike pop, "Royal Explosion (Part II)" reminds me of The Who at its most
psychedelic. It has some spacey noises going around and the vocals are mixed in
a very interesting way. Acoustic guitar jingles very nicely in a track called
"Wheels of Boredom" and it also has a shal-la-lal-lal-lal-lal chorus. "Bordeline"
is a pleasant pop piece, "Song for the Others" a beautiful ballad with piano and
acoustic guitars. The last track "Age of No Reply" is the longest on the album,
and there are some groovy phaser effects creating a feeling that now I'm having
a flashback. A good ending for a superb album that everybody who's interested in
the 21. century hippie rock that respects the traditions but still sounds fresh
should have. It's great to be able to see the band live again at Tavastia on 13.12.!!!
I think that TSOOL is one of the most important bands at the moment and the best
stuff that Sweden has to offer, in addition to Dungen.
www.tsool.com
[ back to top ]
THE DAVOLINAS
Edge of a New Day
Promotional advance CD
The Davolinas from Denmark has progressed a lot since their demo from last year
that I've also reviewed for Psychotropic Zone (Demo 2003).
They have played with great stoner and psych bands like Colour Haze, Sgt. Sunshine and
Liquid Visions and the also have a new bass player. During the summer they went to
Germany and recorded this, album in Hannover. The album has eleven tracks on it, and
it's going to be officially released in January 2005. The music is now more in the
stoner rock vein, and this album rocks very hard. There are still some garage influences,
but this time more from other kinds of psychedelic rock. The compositions, production and
especially the playing works nowadays much better, and they have gained some kind of
deepness and maturity. There are many nice songs on the album, for example a bit slower
"Happiness Is Fragile" that reminds me of similar ballad-like tracks by On Trial or
Liquid Visions, another peaceful and the longest and most psychedelic track on the
album "Gotta Connect", the heavy title track, "Exit Repression" and a wild garage
track "I Want You To Burn With Me". The main point about this album is that it's
heavy stuff. This is going to be a good release so check it out.
www.davolinas.dk
[ back to top ]
GHOST ROCKET
Fuzzatan
Self-released CD-R
Ghost Rocket is a new band by ex-On Trial guitarist Morten Aron playing 60's psychedelic
garage punk. Morten has released two solo albums of dark and gloomy acid folk since his
departure from On Trial, but now he's back from his journeys among the dead and wants to
play some fresh rock also alive. Other members of Ghost Rocket are Nick Hasselby: fuzz bass
and backing vocals, Garage Claus Olsen: pounding drums and Nikolai Vilhelm Tell: swirling
organs. Morten himself plays fuzz guitars and does the snotty vocals that really sound
different from his vocals on his Among the Dead solo, for example. The band was friendly
enough to send me their latest recordings dating from July of this year. They are planning to
release these on vinyl. This is tough and energetic stuff for sure, and made in a real 60's
garage spirit. "Drug Freedom" is one of the obvious hit songs, but there are several others,
as well. The production on the album is very reduced and raw, an idea apparently adapted from
their idols and a very suitable one for this kind of music, too! Ghost Rocket is not extremely
psychedelic, it's more like they concentrate on the raw power and dirty, loud punk side of things,
although there are a couple of more melodic and peaceful tracks too. I would say that for
example most of the Baby Woodrose fans will dig this too. There could even be a bit more guitar
solos if you ask me, but on the other hand the organ player fills this void very fluently.
The only negative side to this album is that it's too short; only a bit less than half an hour.
This is great stuff and I'm really looking forward to get this on vinyl and so should be you!
www.ghostrocket.dk
[ back to top ]
CHERRY OVERDRIVE
Demo
Self-released CD-R
Cherry Overdrive is Copenhagen-based all girl band playing rather noisy and heavy rock.
The say it's garage rock meets psyche, but I think it's closer to for example Sonic Youth
and occasionally reminds me a bit of the Finnish Bitch Alert, although there is some
60's feel on a couple of tracks and the guitar work is occasionally even pretty psychedelic.
The singer and other guitarist of C. O. Lene also plays and sings in a somewhat more
stoner rock oriented group The Davolinas. She has a very original and pleasant voice,
with maybe a bit Janis Joplin-like touch. This, their first demo, has four tracks.
"Sharks" is an energetic track with a fast chorus. "Don't Trash My Tail" reminds me of
The Ramones, a really catchy chorus on this one. "Transparent" is a fine, slower track
not too far away from Nirvana. There's even a bass solo in there! The last, quit laid-back
"Story of a Girl With No Name", has an interesting bass pattern. This actually sounds
a bit like the Finnish "almost-girl-band" Branded Women. The track grows towards the end,
and we get to hear some nice, heavy psych guitars! A great ending, more something like this,
please. All the tracks can be found in MP3 format on the band's web site at www.cherryoverdrive.com.
[ back to top ]
KAWABATO MAKOTO
O Si Amos A Sighire A Essere Duas Umbras?
Important Records (imprec037)
Although I've been very interested, especially lately, in releases by
the Japanese Acid Mothers Temple, this is the first solo album I've
heard by the collective's leader. O Si Amos A Sighire A Essere Duas Umbras?
was created after Kawabata Makoto had a very spiritual experience in Sardinia,
Italy, where he, according to his own words, found his own cosmos and received
many wonderful vibrations. The two tracks colossal in length based on
improvisation are his first works after that cosmic experience and they
describe it. The first track Ses Aintro 'e mene finzas Si Ses In S'Atter'Ala E Su Mundu"
is the first track that Kawabata has ever recorded with only acoustic guitar.
The other, title track is played with only one electric guitar. On both tracks
the guitar is driven through three individual reverb echoes and one delay, and
that's all. As one might guess, the overall mood of the album is very meditative
and sublime. This CD is well suited for listening with headphones, and leaves
the listener into a very relaxed state. The second track, in particular, really
fills the listener with pleasant vibrations, if you truly pay attention to it.
This is not very social music, unless maybe if you want to share a pot of special
magic tea with a close friend, for example... If you want to hear some screaming
guitars and infernal noise, concentrate on other releases by Kawabata, but if
you're up for a deep journey with minimal but celestial atmospheres, try this album.
The beautiful pictures on the covers taken by Kawabata himself in Sardinia also help
the cause.
www.importantrecords.com
[ back to top ]
CUL DE SAC / DAMO SUZUKI
Abhayamudra
Strange Attractors Audio House (SAAH2728)
Wow! Damo Suzuki and his playing pals leave you gasping for your breath.
I saw Damo Suzuki in Helsinki in October 2002 (supported by Kuusumun profeetta
and Mother Goose!), and this was one of the best gigs I've ever seen.
Japanese-born Damo was the singer of the legendary Can and one of the
kraut rock pioneers. He's got a habit of inviting musicians from all
over the world and play tours with them without any kind of rehearsals.
The music is composed on the same spot it is performed. The musicians
just give each other some signs where to go next. Damo call this way of
making music instant composing, and it does describe well the nature of improvisation.
Prior to this, Damo has already released several live albums already
under the name Damo Suzuki's Network, for example. This new double CD
that will be released in at the start of November includes recordings
made on the tours all over USA and Europe with Boston-based psych/kraut
band Cul De Sac in 2002 and 2003. As is usually the case with improvisation,
some times it works better and some times not so well, but Damo tends to
record all of his concerts, so there's a lot of stuff to choose from.
Most of the tracks are long, and they are titled just according to the
city and serial number, like "Baltimore 5" or "Frankfurt 4". There would
have been no reason to name them in any other way, since Damo seems to
singing in a language of his own imagination, although I think I can
occasionally spot a few words in English. His delivery differs in between
peaceful whispering and total screaming that sounds misleadingly like
a pig that is to be slaughtered. He succeeds in getting unbelievable
emotional charges into his performance. Cul De Sac was forced to play at
the edge of their abilities and to be really bold, but the music works
usually just great, especially on the more energetic, pounding and
repetitive kraut rhythms. Excellent players, and also their own music is
worth checking out. All in all, this is a very recommendable album of
psychedelic and experimental stuff that keeps you in its grip for the
whole almost 138 minutes long trip. The album includes a fine, 16 page
booklet, as well.
www.damosuzuki.de
[ back to top ]
SIX ORGANS OF ADMITTANCE
The Manifestation
Strange Attractors Audio House (SAAH026)
Six Organs of Admittance is psychedelic folk project by Ben Chasny from California.
The Manifestation was a one-sided, 12-inch EP, having a primitive carved etching of
the sun on the other side. This 2000 release has become a real collector's item, so
this CD re-release was surely necessary. Ben decided to include another long track for
this release. He got this crazy (?) idea from somewhere to put the stylus of the vinyl player into
different parts of the sun etching on the vinyl and then play it. On top of this he played some acoustic guitar
for the planets, and in addition David Tibet (Current 93) made a recitation for the part that deals with the Earth.
The original "The Manifestation" is a magnificent, dark and psychedelic master piece of pagan and primitive folk
that puts you in a trance. Other players include Utrillo Kushner (percussion, electronics) and Jennifer Juniper
Stratford (voice, electric guitar, percussion). This long track that has a very shamanistic atmosphere is some
sort of an anthem to the Sun. It's really nice that this is available again. The new, long bonus track "The Six Stations"
works also well on the record, although the noise from the sun etching needs some getting used to... Nevertheless, the track
includes dome fine acoustic guitar work that seems to be pretty much improvisation-based. The CD is packed in
a cool digipak featuring some original hand-written notes about the project by Chasny, and these really add
to the mystical touch...
www.sixorgansofadmittance.com
[ back to top ]
VARIOUS ARTISTS
267 purkkia liimaa
267 Lattajjaa (LTJ-18)
267 lattajjaa is a Finnish CD-R label specialising in psychedelic and
weird underground music. There have been almost 30 releases so far,
and many of these are sold out. 267 purkkia liimaa (267 cans of glue in English)
is a lengthy compilation of the releases by the label,
and there are also some unreleased tracks including a few wonders
from abroad, as well. Most of the tracks are rather lo-fi stuff,
which pisses me off a bit at times. It feels like a bad sound is
some sort of a guarantee for quality in this genre. I can understand
very well, that this kind of underground music is made in home-conditions and
that it might only be released in a very small quantity, but shouldn't they
still try a bit harder? It is possible to get reasonable results even with
primitive methods. Oh well, that's all I want to criticise. The contents of
the album are very varied, and I really like a lot of the tracks on the album.
The musical styles vary in between kraut, psychedelia, ambient, noise, folk,
experimental and who knows what. Many of the songs a re also pretty funny,
others even frightening. There as many as 28 tracks on the album, clicking
together at almost 80 minutes. This works great for me as an introduction
to the releases of 267 lattajjaa, and I must confess that I became more
interested than I though I would. This is absolutely worth checking out if
you're interested in strange Finnish underground music.
www.dlc.fi/~hhaahti/267lattajjaa
[ back to top ]
ACID MOTHERS TEMPLE & THE MELTING PRAISO U.F.O
Does The Cosmic Shepherd Dream of Electric Tapirs?
Space Age Recordings (ORBIT041CD)
Oh yeah, AMT continues its busy album release schedule, and I'm glad it does.
This time the record company is the English Space Age Recordings, who normally
concentrate on Spacemen 3 and related material. AMT seems to have taken some
influences from my favourite writer Philip K. Dick on their album and also
track titles, which warms my heart, of course... And Dick's ideology suits well
these Japanese freaks, as well! Does The Cosmic Shephard Dream of Electric Tapirs?
includes six tracks that present pretty well the whole musical scale of the band.
The album is opened with "Daddy's Bare Meet" that after the more quiet intro
with synthesisers and narration transforms into a total space chaos and guitar
noise mayhem. "Suzie Sixteen" is a humoristic, acoustic piece with falsetto vocals.
Then follows "Hello Good Child" that has also been released on a single and is
stylistically close to Pink Floyd, "Echoes" springs up to mind listening to it.
This is a marvellous track with female and male vocals, organ, acoustic guitar and
nice space sounds. A great choice for a single release, and some of the best
stuff on this album.
"The Assassin's Beautiful Daughter" is also an acoustic track that in addition to
vocals has some flute too. Quite nice, although the flute plays a bit in the different
scale... Then it's turn for the album's longest and heaviest track, a mammoth-like riff
crusher "Dark Star Blues" that the band played live on their latest American tour.
This is a fundamentally earth-shaking experience based on a one repetitive guitar riff
with some wild solos and freak-out on top of it. The track also features exquisite
vocals by Cotton Casino. The album ends in a whole different mood with Kawabata's
minimalism that soothes the mind and soul in the style of "In D" that can be found on
the In C album. AMT have made another great, experimental and psychedelic album, and
it will have lots of stuff to marvel at and explore for a long time, that's all
I can really say. And there are three new albums on their way already...
[ back to top ]
GREYSCALE
Cruel Machine
Camera Obscura Records (CAM068CD)
Greyscale is a Melbourne-based trio playing instrumental post-psych-rock
a bit in the style of Mogwai, Tortoise and GSYBE. I'm also somewhat reminded
about the Finish Magyar Posse, and at times also Pink Floyd and Porcupine Tree.
The sound of the band is formed with the dialogue between pedal steel and
de-tuned guitars, vintage keyboards, analogue synthesisers, programming,
samples and drums. The band has also experimented with a lot of other
instruments like banjo, 12-string acoustic guitar, melodica and short
wave radio. Although the album includes quite a kot of programming and loops,
they have still retained the pleasurable, organic flow. The major part of the
album is rather laid-back, repetitive atmospheric stuff, but there are also
a few heavier moments. The tracks are rather short, and most of them were
originally just improvised live, and then they added the necessary over-dubs.
This system seems to work very well. Greyscale is nice, psychedelic stuff,
and this is in fact one of the best post rock albums I've heard for a long time.
There are no weak numbers on this album, I would say. It's worthwhile to listen
to a couple of tracks from the album at:
www.satyrswitch.com.
[ back to top ]
SATYRSWITCH
The High Lonesome Sound of Satyrswitch
Camera Obscura Records (CAM069CD)
Satyrswitch is an acoustic project by Jason Kesselring from Minneapolis.
Jason is well-known in the Minneapolis psychedelic underground as a member of
bands Skye Klad and Blitzen. Primitive American folk music and guitarists
like Davey Graham and Bert Jansch are close to Jason's heart, and so he
decided to start playing this kind of acoustic cowboy folk. He got a few
friends and his wife to help him out on this album. This is not exactly
country music, but at times it's pretty close. The production and playing
is great, but I must say that this kind of music doesn't really touch me
that much. There are both Kesselring's own compositions and traditional
songs on the CD. I think that the most famous track is "Ghost Riders in the Sky".
I feel that this would need Johnny Cash as a singer, and it has to be said that
Jason is not even close to Cash's charisma and emotional state as a singer.
The album gets better in the end, for example the instrumental "Israfel" is okay,
and so are the last three, a bit more mystical tracks. I was still slightly
disappointed with this album because, let's face it, it's not at all psychedelic,
and on the other hand, not traditional and atmospheric enough to work on that level.
www.satyrswitch.com
[ back to top ]
KEIJO
Soon with the Sun
267 Lattajjaa (LTJ-21)
Keijo is a very airy ambient psychedelia producing life form,
apparently from Jyväskylä, Finland. Keijo is a Finnish first
name (my late grand father was called Keijo), but I don't know
if this Keijo in question is some kind of a symbiosis, community
or a monocelled organism, but who cares. As far as production
values go, this release is definitely in the highest caste of
its weird underground genre, since the sound is really good and
it's a truly enjoyable experience to listen to this CD-R. The album
has a sort of archaic, primitive mood, even though modern
technology has been skilfully used among string instruments and
other more traditional stuff. On a track called "On Ahti's Boat"
there are even some vocals. At times I'm reminded of the releases by
Porcupine Tree leader Steven Wilson's Bass Communion project. This
album is well suited for those secret late-night sessions that you
really don't discuss about at work or at school... If you are fond of
exciting, awesome ambient psychedelia, you should order this experimental
disc (5 € Finland, 6 € Europe, 6 € other) before it faces extinction as
has been the case with the releases by many of Keijo's label mates.
www.dlc.fi/~hhaahti/267lattajjaa
[ back to top ]
TIVOL
Breathtaking Sounds of Tivol
267 Lattajjaa (LTJ-08)
This is an exiting 3" CD-R by Imatra-based Tivoli, and it was recorded already in
December 2002. The band has released at least one CD-R besides this one, and that's
all I know about them. This tiny little disc includes two over ten minutes long
instrumental, energetic psych rock tracks. The band is formed of Askola, Ihanamäki,
Kettunen and Nevalainen, and these fellows can really create quite a noise. The group
seems to trust in the power of repetition, and they jam like hell on top of it. The guitar
sounds are pretty hard, and they use loads of space effects. The heavy drums add to the
power of the music. It sounds like the band has quite punky touch in their improvisation,
but suitably equipped with psychedelic ingredients. I wonder if they have listened to some
Sonic Youth at some point, as well? There are also some kraut rock elements to be detected.
The sound is pretty cellar recording standard, but it doesn't really bother that much here.
It would be nice hear the band a bit more, and I'm sure they would explode your head live.
The price is only 5 € for Europe, 7 € elsewhere, so why don't you too get introduced to
this band.
www.dlc.fi/~hhaahti/267lattajjaa/index.html
[ back to top ]
PUMICE
Raft
Last Visible Dog (LVD062)
Oh well, yet some more weird lo-fi bumbling around to review.
Pumice means a very light rock that is formed when lava, filled
with gas, cools down quickly above ground, by the way. Stefan
Neville is from New Zeeland, and on his latest offering he plays
strange strumming, drone and sometimes rather de-tuned chaos, as
well, and all this fits very well into the Last Visible Dog style.
So this is not exactly my kind of music, I must point out. This
one-man-band uses at least guitars, effects, voice, some primitive
organs (pump organ?) and drums in its music making. Pumice is usually
at its best on the instrumental, mystical drones (tracks "Ridge" and
"Awe or Oar" on the album) and at its worst on the tangled, out-of-tune
"rock" pieces (for example "Warmhorn/Classicalfist"), that makes you
wonder whether you should laugh or cry. A few folk-spirited blasts
are okay. I'd rather listen to Kemialliset ystävät, but I must confess
that Stefan has a pretty special approach to making "music", as well,
and that this, soon to be released CD has its good moments. Stefan is
planning a European tour next spring, so maybe we can hear at
Psychotropic Zone what the man can achieve live... www.lvd.4mg.com
[ back to top ]
CUCUMBER FARMER
Beyond
American Brothers (ABROS3)
It's strange how this kind of a band could have been together for ten
years now without my knowledge? Well, better late than never and now
was a perfect time in that sense that the band has now released their
first full length, and it might be more in the line of my musical taste
than the previous little releases. This Helsinki-Tampere-based art
collective (that's what they call themselves) plays, at least on this CD,
some great art/post/psych/space rock. The opener of the album,
"Sabbath of Reynolds", starts quietly, until the crunching guitars
reminiscent of early Circle take over. The singer keeps on singing
"praise the Lord, since he's the saviour" all over again, so I guess
this is kind spiritual in nature. The second track "Sovhoosi" also
reminds me of Circle, but in a bit more meditative, hazy and mystical way.
There is also for example some keyboard-driven stuff, female vocals even in
French, a short humour piece "Tivoli" in German and all kinds of other stuff
to be found on this album. It is ended with rather heavy version of
"Interstellar Overdrive" by Pink Floyd, and it completes the whole in
a very fine way. Cucumber Farmer is an extremely interesting band, and
I would really like to see them live, as well. The band seems to have
a habit of organizing all kinds of weird stuff like a panel conversation
about Billy Ido'sl music videos followed by the band playing live these
tracks in question in sync to these videos. Hail Avant-Garde. Buy this
album! www.americanbrothers.com
[ back to top ]
COLOUR HAZE
S/T
Elektrohasch Records (Electrohasch 003)
I believe that the German Colour Haze have made their best album so far.
This untitled new album was recorded and mixed totally analogue in just
a few days. The sound is very alive and real with all kinds of little
hums etc. Stefan, the guitar player promised, that the soon to be released
vinyl version will sound even better... The basic power trio has been backed
up with an electric piano player (on one short, acoustic number "Solitude")
and in addition Dave Schmidt aka Sula Bassana plays some nice space sounds
with EMS VCS-3 synthesizer on a massive track "Peace, Brothers and Sisters!"
that is over 22 minutes long. I guess the band's music should be called
stoner rock in lack of a better description. At least there are a lot of
70's vibes in there, especially these, sort of love and peace themes
(tracks called "Love" and "Flowers" can also be found on the album), and
at times the music is very heavy. There are also surprisingly many pretty,
more acoustic parts to be found on the CD. The music is actually very
progressive and jamming, but it really doesn't sound like progressive rock.
In fact, the band sounds very original; I guess they have found their own style.
There are still some echoes of the stars of the classic rock, which is not
a bad thing as such. I do enjoy this more than the previous releases that
I've heard by the band, so I can warmly recommend this to those who like original,
a bit psychedelic and exciting rock. Check out the band's cool web site at www.colourhaze.de.
[ back to top ]
GAS GIANT/COLOUR HAZE split 7"
Elektrohasch Records (EH 90)
This is nice new split single featuring excellent stoner rock!
The Danish Gas Giant is one of the heaviest and best bands of
the genre at the moment, and I was really looking forward to their
song "Mama Cool". The track was born when the band spent some time
on the tour at the place of this middle-aged German hippie woman who
was called Mama Cool. The boys were apparently rather flattered about
her hospitality, when they decided to immortalise her into their song.
It's a good, little less than 4 minutes long rock piece, pretty standard
Gas Giant stuff. At the end the percussions join in and this gives the
tracks some more colour. I guess this was the drummer Tommy's last
contribution for the band, which is sad.
On the other side there's a unique version of a track called "Mountain" by
German band Colour Haze. A bit different version can also be found on their
recently released new CD. This is so long track, that this sides spins at
33 1/3 rpm. It begins quite peacefully with clean sound, until the band
hits the fuzz pedal with full force and starts to rock seriously. The track
needs some time to fully open, but after a few listening times it's a very
rewarding experience. Colour Haze is a pretty original band. So, this is very
fine little record that works also well as a whole. The artwork of Malleus is
always a pleasure to watch, as well. www.elektrohasch.de
[ back to top ]
THE BEVIS FROND
Hit Squad
Woronzow Records (WOO 56)
Although it's only been two years since the previous The Bevis Frond album
What Did for the Dinosaurs was released, I was already really looking forward
to this new one. It's no secret that the band has been one of my absolute
favourites for over ten years now. Only Nick Salomon can combine 60's psychedelia,
Neil Young guitar rock, Jimi Hendrix, blues, the power of punk, melodic Beatles pop,
singer/songwriter tradition and folk so skilfully and with style. Nick's trusted
bassist Adrian Shaw is naturally still with him, and I really can't imagine anybody
more suitable for the band. There is some fresh blood on the drums, though: Jules Fenton
does the job with enthusiasm and energy, he's an excellent drummer. There are also
some guests as usual: Roddy Lorimer on trumpet, Nick's daughter Debbie on vocals,
Paul Simmons on guitar etc. Gary Ramon (Sun Dial) was also supposed to play guitar
on a song called "Crumbs", but he was unfortunately unable to make it into the studio
because his daughter was ill.
There are 18 new tracks on the album, most of which are rather short. Only three of
them are over 5 minutes long. I don't know how hard Nick has tried, but a lot of the
tracks certainly have some radio potential. Rather fast, catchy ones are the most
common ones. My own favourites include the almost nine minutes long "Through the Hedge"
(it doesn't feel like it's more than five minutes, by the way!) simulating the old
Bevis sound, heavy and rough "Mission Completed", radio friendly "Flood Warning",
beautiful acoustic number "Crumbs", organ driven "No Attempt" and the last, psychedelic
and dreamy long "Fast Falls the Eventide". The title track sounds like the original
Batman theme, and is a funny counterblow against all those people who made music business
so crooked. The same theme is also evident on the whacky cover art. The other lyrics are
of guaranteed Salomon quality, as well. It's really nice that there are some more keyboards
than there have been for a while, even some Hawkwind-like swirls. Nicks solo guitar pours
into your soul, as it always does. The sound is this time perfect, so this seems like the
best Frond album for at least ten years. Just get it, and do everything in your power to
make this, one of the world's most underrated bands, to get the recognition it deserves!
www.woronzow.co.uk
[ back to top ]
VIVA VERTIGO
Viva Viva (Edie Sedgwick) CD Single
Bad Afro Records (FROCDS011)
Viva Vertigo is a new band from Copenhagen led by singer/songwriter Simon Beck.
He has some known names in his group from for example The Raveonettes (Sune Rose Wagner,
Jakob Hoyer) and Jeff Buckley Band (Mick Grondahl). Viva Viva is the first single from
the album with a same title that I, unfortunately, haven't heard. This particular track is
about a woman called Edie Sedgwick, who was part of the Andy Warhol posse. Drugs, rock star
boyfriends and tragic early death are naturally involved. This is a nice, energetic track,
and I guess it's close to garage. There's also a black and white video made of this one.
"Shangri-La", the other track on the single is a bit more laid-back, beautiful and melodic
autumnal song, also very nice. Although I wouldn't exactly call this psychedelic, I've
noticed that I like this single more and more after every listening. I guess I have to
get the album as well, since this is pretty interesting guitar rock. www.badafro.dk
[ back to top ]
BABY WOODROSE
Dropout!
Bad Afro Records (AFROLP021/CD021)
Danish Baby Woodrose is beginning to be a hot name in the garage rock circles.
I think that they are absolutely the best band of the genre's modern exponents.
Their music shows respect to the 60's psychedelic garage rock. Dropout! includes
covers by the guys' favourite bands from the wild 60's. Love ("Can't Explain",
will also be released on single), The 13th Floor Elevators ("I Don't Ever Wanna
Come Down"), Captain Beefheart ("Dropout Boogie"), The Sonics ("I'm Going Home"),
The Stooges ("Not Right") and The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band ("A Child of
a Few Hours") and four other, a bit more obscure bands have been objected to a new
treatment. A combining theme of many of the songs, as the title suggests, seems to
be rebelliousness and being anti-society, but the most important common factor is
that all these bands have influenced Baby Woodrose in a big way while writing their
own songs. Because of that, this album does sound a lot like their other albums:
really great! They have managed to capture the original mood of the 60's, although
the production has more quality and the sound is far better (thanks Ralph!). I think
that especially the singer/guitarist Lorenzo Woodrose is one of the hottest psych
dudes of the moment, and he can squash an enormous amount of feel and balls into
his playing and singing. Since the drummer and bass player are also very much up
to their jobs the band sounds really good also on this record and rocks like hell.
Just buy this album that is to be released on the 20th of September and float with
the groovy beats of the 60's.
www.babywoodrose.com
[ back to top ]
H.R. FUNK N`PUFF
Songs from the Electric Greenwood
Big Butt Recordings
H.R. Funk n' Puff is an American guy named Moss. He describes his music as
psychedelic techno bluegrass. He has taken some influences for example from
early Pink Floyd, Chemical Brothers, Donovan and hillbilly music. There are
also some ethnic instruments like didgeridoo and rain stick. The guy has managed
to put together a very interesting and pleasant whole with so varied material.
There is also a lot of humour to be found on the album, which is a big plus. Moss
plays most of the instruments by himself and does the programming. He also has a very
good singing voice, and it plays an important role on the album. Songs from the Electric
Greenwood includes many great songs, but the best in my opinion are the excellent
"Synaesthesia", slow and mystical "Garden of Summer" reminding me a bit of the feel
of "Set the Controls..." by Pink Floyd and a somewhat more computerised "Zoe" featuring
some Mellotron and Barret styled melodies. "Holy Roller" and "The Shack (Spinlow)"
are mushroom hillbilly tracks with banjo, rather original stuff. By far the funniest
track on the album is still the last "Closing the Circle" that is some kind of a joke
about commercial techno. The song is full of commercial messages like "buy this record now"
and "I'm selling out", and among other things have clues to the teenage girls about the
many pictures of the good looking Moss in his dreadlocks in the booklet... Hilarious.
This is good hippie music combining together the psychedelic past with the modern age
in a fine way. It's worthwhile to check out Moss's web site at www.funknpuff.com.
[ back to top ]
JOSIAH
Into the Outside
Molten Records (MELT CD 007)
This is the second CD by the British power trio. There have been some
changes after the first album. The Black Sabbath influences have,
unfortunately, diminished substantially, and the guitar sound has
changed lighter and there's less bass in it. In stead they have
incorporated some more 70's hard rock feel and 80's hair metal.
A couple of wilder, better songs ("Scarlatti Tilt", "Keep on Pushin'")
remind me of MC5, and they actually sound quite a lot like Helsinki-based Spiha,
only lighter. "Beyond" is like Soundgarden. There's quite a hectic and restless
atmosphere on the album, like the guys were heavily on speed at the recordings.
I for one am having trouble keeping up with them. There's also one acoustic
instrumental "Sylvie" in there, and at the end there is one great song "Unwind Your Mind",
reminding me of a track by Monster Magnet, "Magic Potion" by the late 60's psych wonder
Open Mind, and there's even some Sam Gopal feel, but without the tablas. I only wish the
whole album could have been in this style, 'cause then I'd have liked it a lot more! Still,
the playing is very tight and energetic, and this sure rocks. Guitar solos are still rather
psychedelic at times. Maybe action rock fans should check this out, but it doesn't do
that much for example psychedelic stoners, in my opinion.
[ back to top ]
STASI COMBO
Reptile Twist & Bestial Wail
Private release
This mini LP is the first release by Stasi Combo. First of all
I must congratulate on the marvellous idea to release a vinyl
that also has the same music on CD along! The music of this
Helsinki-based trio is sort of late 60's/early 70's styled
(garage) rock with little psychedelic extras. The band has
been playing some gigs in the metropolitan area recently.
The voice of singer/guitarist Severi Karila sounds at times
very much like Jimbo, and they have taken rather much of
influences from the Doors in other ways, as well. The chorus
of the song called "Stone Cold Morning" reminds me of the
Grateful Dead. "Whip Song" is so energetic that MC5 comes to mind.
In "Humanoia" there is also a keyboard player and a mystical
percussionist called Miquel Camarazzia... Severi's voice works
usually better on the more rocking numbers than on the ballads.
This is ok stuff, but the whole record suffers from a somewhat
thin sound. The album cover mentions the following address, which
is not working at the moment: www.stasicombo.com. You can also try
to send email to severi.karila@helsinki.fi.
[ back to top ]
ON TRIAL
Live
Molten Records (MELT CD 006)
Great, finally a live album by one of my favourite groups! On Trail
played last year a blazing live set in Copenhagen. The gig was held at
a very comfortable hippie part of the town called Christiania which,
unfortunately, is now taken over by the police. On Trial have gained
a reputation of being a storming live band, and not without a reason.
I've never been able to see them, but this live album proves that they
go wild. Band's music is influenced by 60's psychedelic rock but still
doesn't sound out-dated. It has both emotion and substance. There are
some of the best tracks from their three previous studio albums and
a few covers of 60's psych classics, and there's even a bit of jam on
the album. The twin-guitar fuzz orgy of the band gets you high for sure.
The sound on the album is excellent, and the only thing that bothers me
a bit is the obviously added audience applause. There are some really
great compositions played and sung very well and with emotion. When they
rock, they go ahead with full energy, but the band also masters the more
peaceful, melancholic tracks that almost make you cry. I also like the
excellent front cover a lot. This marvellous CD will be out at the end of
September, so there's only one thing to do: pre-order now! You won't be
disappointed. www.molten-records.com,
www.ontrial.dk.
[ back to top ]
Various Artists:
FLAMONGO SANOMAT
Flamongo (FLAM-0LPA)
Okay, this was released some time ago, but for some reason I didn't get to review it until now.
Explanations aside, this is a compilation vinyl of Finnish electronic underground club music.
I was mainly interested in it because it includes the so far only vinyl appearance of Rättö
and Lehtisalo (from Circle etc. fame). The covers are made in a newspaper style and are very
funny including wacky stories and also references to the artists in Finnish. The music is
mostly groovy, funky electronic music. Jah Mullet and Bible Black's track is some kind of
digital dub reggae, and there's even some jazzy stuff with horns etc. Uusi Fantasia performs
their track "Faija", and it has some very nice synth sounds. The last track by Tuomo Kari Puronen
is more ambient in nature. This is pretty OK music in every aspect, but the kraut spirited space
disco piece "Valonnopeus" by Rättö & Lehtisalo is by far the best.
[ back to top ]
ARCHITECTURAL METAPHOR
Other Music
Kairos Records (afr-200-2)
This is a live CD by one of the best US space rock groups. The band has been stripped down to a trio.
Singer/drummer Dep Young left the band after their Strange Daze 2000 gig, which is sad, since female
voice really suited the band's almost symphonic style, I think. Well, they now have another female
singer in sight, so maybe they will solve the problem. Latest addition to the line-up is Patrick Murphy
from Dinosaur JR on drums. Also in the band are the founder member Paul Eggleston with his massive keyboard
arsenal and Greg Kozlowski whose effect pedal collection is very respectful. There has never been a bass
player in this band formed in 1984. After the Creature of the Velvet Void album released on Black Widow
Records in 1997 the band haven't really put out any new studio material, so live albums are welcome.
Other Music includes a couple of new tracks, a couple of ArcMet classics and a few covers. "On the Run" isn't
one of the most usual Pink Floyd tracks to cover, and their version sounds nice. Another big influence for
the band is Hawkwind, and we got to hear their instrumental version of "Hassan I Sahba" and at the end of
the CD also a short narration piece "Welcome to the Future". The guys can create an unbelievable rich sound
with just the three of them, and the playing is flawless. Sequencers are at times used to bring in some
Tangerine Dream feel. Paul is talented keyboard player and uses a lot of heavy, full chords and nice sound
effects. Greg plays a LOT of melodic solos that fill in the absence of vocals very well. The selection of
Pat Murphy as a new drummer was also definitely a good move. The sound quality on the CD is comfortable,
but not absolutely great. Other Music is available directly from the band for 12$ US & Canada, 15$ rest of
the world. I hope that this great band will manage to get a new studio album together soon, as well.
www.geocities.com/arcmetgreg
[ back to top ]
CIRCLE
Golem/Vesiliirto
Kevyt nostalgia (KENO-05/SUPER-012)
Although Circle has been leading a quiet life for a while now, they luckily don't run out of material to be released.
This double vinyl of 500 copies includes one live album (Golem) that was recorded at their Semifinal gig last year
with Los Natas, and a studio album Vesiliirto. Unfortunately I missed that gig, so this release gives some consolation.
There are five tracks on Golem and all the titles sound like the boys have chopped 50 track titles by some heavy/thrash/
black/death metal bands and then clued the words together in random order to make new titles. Funny, especially since
the tracks are not really heavy, except maybe the end of "True Incubus from Beyond". That same track actually sounds at
times like the track "Metsän henget", by the way. The recordings have been rather heavily manipulated during the mixing,
and the result is really hazy. Some of the stuff is a bit straighter. "At War with Mercy" is actually psychobilly, and
"Forbidden Steel Patriot" is a short, peaceful Rhodes track with vocals.
The studio record is a rather different affair. Vesiliirto was apparently recorded at the same sessions as the
confusingly accepted Guillotine. There is some very weird stuff on the album in a sort of experimental lo-fi spirit
similar to Avarus; Kemialliset ystävät etc., but luckily there is also some more traditional Circle, as there were
on Guillotine. This stuff is best represented by "Tuliset miekat käsissä". Improvisation and even black humour are
playing an important role. "Neljä kolkkaa" is an odd sound collage, "Haulikko ja kivääri" Acid Mothers Temple styled
freak-out, and "Lähetys" like carousel music from the fifth dimension. The boys have managed to put together a very
strange and psychedelic texture, that's all I can say. Some people might find this going over their heads, but what
can you do. The band still has plenty of courage, guts and originality, and hats off for that.
www.kevytnostalgia.org
[ back to top ]
SPACEMAN 3
Recurring
Space Age Recordings (ORBIT012CD)
Recurring was the last album that the fighting Spacemen 3 ever made. That was
also the first album by the group that I ever bought. The drug induced,
hypnotic and monotonic, beautiful and at the same time also nicely distorted
sound of the band made me dizzy. Although Recurring is not necessarily their
best album, it has aged very well. Now there's finally a re-mastered version
available, and with the bonus material it's almost 80 minutes in length. The
original, ten-track vinyl was put together so, that the first side was filled
with a bit simpler Sonic Boom stuff, and the rest of the album was taken over
by the orchestrated and more arranged material by Jason "Spaceman" Pierce. One
of the most important differences with the CD version is the addition of a cover
version of "When Tomorrow Hits" by Mudhoney in between Sonic Booms and Jason's
material. That is the heaviest track on this album. There are also four other
extra tracks on the CD. The opener "Big City (Everybody I Know Can Be Found Here)"
foresaw the birth of rave culture with its pulsating synthesizers and danceable
rhythm, and it is one of the highlights of the album. The Jason Pierce songs had
already a lot of the same elements he would refine further with Spiritualized,
and he also did take a lot of the musicians that were involved in Recurring to
his new band. It's a great thing that Space Age Recordings have made this amazing
album available again. www.spacemen3.info.
[ back to top ]
SPECTRUM
Refractions: Through the Rhythms of Time 1989-1997
Space Age Recordings (ORBIT 040CD)
Pete Kember, alias Sonic Boom, was the co-founder of the legendary Spacemen 3
along with Jason "Spaceman" Pierce. Pete has continued his successful career,
and released a lot of records during the years as Sonic Boom, Spectrum and EAR.
This compilation includes some of the best tracks by Spectrum. Most of the material
is very soft, but extremely psychedelic. There are a couple of more rocking numbers
with nicely buzzing guitars as well, like the excellent "How You Satisfy Me".
"Feels like I'm Slipping Away" is almost frightening and "Owsley" is really
oppressive, like a bad trip. Majority of the tracks are still dreamy and monotonic
or heavenly, beautiful and uplifting. Pete really knows how to write simple but
effective songs, and his guitar, organ and synthesizer work is stunning. Substantial
drug abuse is very clearly evident all over the place; nobody makes this kind of
music sober. The tracks on the album are not in chronological order, but they are
compiled as a fine, atmospheric span. On the long run, the music of Spectrum doesn't
really differ that much from Spacemen 3, so I guess all their fans really need to
buy this CD, given the fact that most of the original Spectrum releases are now
really hard to find. Refractions is a really good compilation by one of the most
influential artist of the last decades. www.sonic-boom.info.
[ back to top ]
BLACK FOREST/BLACK SEA
Radiant Symmetry
Last Visible Dog (LVD 065)
Radiant Symmetry was recorded live from February to April 2004 during the duo's
(from Providence, RI) lengthy European tour. Recording locations were Glasgow,
Tampere, Bologna, Newcastle upon Tyne, Bristol, Arcore and Stoke-on-Trent. Almost
all the nine tracks feature also some local guests besides the duo to bring in
some more colour to the weird, experimental and minimal folk psychedelia. All the
tracks on this album were improvised, and they haven't named them at all, and why
bother. The quality of the recordings is pretty good, and the album works great as
a whole. The mood and style of this CD doesn't differ that much from the band's
first two albums, although there are no vocals on this new one. Different performances
have been mixed into a continuous journey, which works surprisingly well. The
overall atmosphere is still very sad and gloomy. Some of the tracks are rather
deranged, but most of them are still beautiful, moody drones. Radiant Symmetry
is a good listen while waiting for the next studio album. The band is touring
Europe again in autumn, and will play their second gig Psychotropic Zone on 25.9.
with Fursaxa and Christina Carter. Don't miss out this experience! www.lvd.4mg.com.
[ back to top ]
LSD-MARCH
Suddenly, Like Flames
Last Visible Dog (LVD 064)
This is a CD release of this Japanese underground psych band's very rare vinyl
with some bonus material. I've never heard this band before, but apparently they
are known mostly for their compilation appearances to a lot of people into Japanese
art rock. Yeah, they have taken their name from Guru Guru, and I can hear some kraut
rock influences in there. I'm also often reminded of Velvet Underground. Unfortunately
the sound is rather muddy, at least on some tracks. There are both relaxed and beautiful
stuff and wild and noisy guitar torture on the album. All the vocals are in Japanese,
but the lyrics are translated into English on the booklet, and they are pretty acidic
in nature! Musically the band isn't bad at all, but they still somehow fail to interest
me very much. AT times the stuff is still rather psychedelic. Alan Cummings has written
the liner notes and also done the translation. Jeffrey Alexander (Black Forrest/Black Sea)
is responsible for the nice cover art. www.lvd.4mg.com.
[ back to top ]
HIDRIA SPACEFOLK
Balansia
Silence (SLC-020)
Hidria Spacefolk is absolutely one of the best bands at the moment in Finland, or in Europe,
why not in the whole universe. They have gained a nice amount of fans with their instrumental,
psychedelic space rock. Their music is a good combination of Gong, Steve Hillage, Ozric Tentacles,
Kingston Wall styled prog and electronic trance spiced with a pinch of ethnic influences, metal,
Circle and Hawkwind outer space. Skilful guys just can't come up with a bad result with these ingredients.
Their first album hasn't played regularly at the Ozric Tentacles tour buss for nothing, and
I'm sure the new one will too.
Balansia includes seven tracks and is 50 minutes long. This actually doesn't mean anything,
since space-time continuum doesn't work in a normal way while listening to Hidria Spacefolk.
The band has matured and evolved a lot since the early days, and it has been a very positive
surprise for me that they have actually gone into more organic direction, and not into the
all the more computerized way the Ozrics have chosen, for example. Balansia is a fresh and
uplifting experience that makes me feel good. The tight drumming and steady, deep bass guarantee
a good groove that forces you to dance. The guitarists weave great, mind-expanding webs more
even more skilfully than before, and synthesizers create their own melodic, high-flying and at
times very psychedelic addition. Guest musicians have been used very elegantly (vibraphone,
marimba, trumpet, cello and Andy McCoy on slide guitar on one track). The best musical comparison
might actually be Hungarian Korai Orom, especially what comes to the danceable parts. The album
also has a few chill out parts, of course, and at times the mood goes rather spooky. In fact I like
all the tracks so much, that I don't want to pick up any favourites. All in all, a very hypnotic and
spellbinding album and I really can't find anything to complain about, since the production is perfect,
as well. Therefore this album is now declared as an instant classic. www.hidriaspacefolk.st.
[ back to top ]
SINIAALTO
Tallentumia
If Society (IF-16)
The Finland's instrumental synthesizer prides Siniaalto have released
their second album. This time it's a live album, and the longish tracks
have been recorded between September 2003 and January 2004 on five
different locations in Helsinki. The trio still continues on the cosmic
and electronic path. One of my favourites is the album opener, sequence
driven "Matka alkaa taas" (The Trip Starts Again in English). It could
well be from one of the 70's Tangerine Dream albums. Over 15 minutes
long "Ajatusten kehuu" (Spinning of Thoughts) continues the album in
a much more abstract way. I'm often reminded of Klaus Schultzes work
while listening to this band. The album works best when listening to
it relaxed in a dark place, but it does require all of your attention.
So this is really not background or party music. This is great,
suitably strange and psychedelic synthesizer music that respects
the 70's masters but is still strongly present in this moment.
Worth checking out! http://ut3.org.
[ back to top ]
JOE TURNER
Between Two Seconds
Camera Obscura Records (CAM067CD)
Former Abunai! man Joe Turner expanded his self-released Dollar Star CD-R EP
with some tracks and the result is Between Two Seconds. The album is
a wonderful compilation of a bit 60's styled psych pop. There are some
influences for example from The Beatles and The Byrds. Modern points
of comparison might be Dipsomaniacs and bands like that. The cheerful
rock/pop track "Hills of Pensylvania" reminds me of The Beach Boys.
Joe's music is very catchy. I was hooked already after the hypnotic
instrumental intro. Joe plays all the instruments and sings by himself,
but there are also some guests for example on flute. The general tone
of the album is rather sunny and happy, but there are also a few
sadder songs. Joe clearly has an ear for melody and harmony. One of
the best tracks on the album is magical "Turn Me Upside Down" that
can also be found on The Further Adventures of the Telepathic Explorers
compilation. Towards the end of the CD the music goes into a bit more
mystical direction, and so the slow, melancholic and dreamy "When the
Day Crowd Leaves" with some acoustic guitar and the last, interesting
track "Perfect the First Time" that sounds like the Swedish Dungen
stand out. All in all a great album of melodic pop-rock spiced with
psychedelic effects. www.cameraobscura.com.au.
[ back to top ]
DANNY BEN-ISRAEL
The Kathmandu Sessions
Merry Records (Merry001)
Danny Ben-Israel, a psychedelic pioneer from Israel, released his album
Bullshit 3¼ in 1970 in a limited edition of 400 copies. This underground
pearl was re-issued only in 2002 as a CD, 1000 copies only. Danny's music is
a strange combination of psychedelia and avant garde. Drugs have clearly
played a major role in it. The Kathmandu Sessions was recorded at the same
time period as Bullshit, apart from the last track ("The Hippies of Today
Are the Assholes of Tomorrow") and it was meant for the English speaking
audience. Sadly, it was left unreleased. Now Merry Records from Israel has
made a big service by releasing it. There are seven tracks on the CD, first
of which is just narration. The album features some pretty far-out stuff from
time to time, like being on a bad trip. The lyrics are really weird. The recording
sessions were quite messy, and Danny can't really remember that much about them.
"Kathmandu" originates from the rumours the guys heard, that you can buy hashish
from the stores and at the streets in Kathmandu, and they dreamt of flying there
from Tel Aviv. At its best the album works great, but there also some weaker
points, as one might guess. This still is an interesting part of the history of
psychedelic rock. More info and some MP3's available from
www.merryrecords.com/kathmandu.aspx.
[ back to top ]
LITMUS
You Are Here
Space Music (Space Music 001)
Litmus is a rather new British space rock band. My first experience of the band
was their fine version of "Paradox" on the Daze of the Underground Hawkwind tribute.
The band was also playing at the Hawkfan Festival in 2002 and 2003, and they are
also on the 2002 festival compilation. This is their first album, and my expectations
were high. And the band really didn't disappoint! You Are Here is a great package of
Hawkwind-styled heavy space rock. Similar bands include Krel, Spacehead, DarXtar
and to some extent Mr. Quimpy's Beard. Litmus has plenty of keyboard, synthesizer
and audio generator arsenal: they have as many as three guys playing Hammonds,
Mellotrons, Moogs and other kinds of gizmos. This is clearly one of the strengths
of the band. In addition, they also have a guitar player, bass player and a drummer,
as usual. These three also sing. This little over one hour long CD has ten tracks,
shortest is one minute, longest the last, slow and heavy track "Stone Oscillator
(Static Ritual)" being over 20 minutes long. There are really well rocking fast
tracks and shorter, more peaceful instrumentals in good balance. The title track is
an acoustic one sort of like "Space Is Deep". There are also some influences from
Here and Now, for example, and "(Theta Wave) Inductor" sounds like it was a lost
track from the Gong's You sessions. The sound is also crystal clear, and so You Are
Here is truly an excellent and psychedelic album that can be highly recommended for
all fans of the heavy space rock. www.litmusmusic.co.uk.
[ back to top ]
ACID MOTHERS TEMPLE AND THE MELTING PARAISO U.F.O.
Mantra of Love
Alien8 Recordings (ALIENCD44)
Yeah, yet another new album by Japan's most luminary psych star. Mantra of love is,
in my opinion, sort of continuation to La Novia. This new album has two tracks, right,
but the mood is very similar. The album starts with a traditional Occitan track "La Le Lo"
and it's as long as half an hour. The track begins in a very tranquil and acoustic mode
with Cotton Casino singing some beautiful, celestial vocals. Nowadays this cigarette
queen has moved to live with her new lover and has t
|
