TRANSITIONAL PHASE

Fantastic output from this Subarachnoid Space one-shot side project, featuring guitarists Melynda Jackson and Mason Jones in best tradition and best form. I've listened to this tracks again and again ... and still find them thrilling. Similar in spirit and presentation compared to the Subarachnoid Space masterpiece 'These Things Take Time' which had been recorded the same year. And so, not really surprising, the line-up is nearly matching here, drummer Chris Van Huffle is aboard too. As for some variation, on this jam session they were joined by former member Jason Stein (bass) and Gravitar representative Geoff Walker (guitar).

Simply split up into seven phases of music they offer intriguing free form spaced out material with a total length of 50 minutes. Recorded in 1998 nothing came of it initially and the tapes were misplaced for over eight years. Luckily sometime the session was transferred to a better system and improved as much as possible and finally they've also found a suitable project name TRANSITIONAL PHASE for that. If you might expect a plain, aimless sound I can put your mind at rest. This is a mix of mellow and weird moments - definitely rocking due to a lively rhythm section.

If you like soaring space guitars backed by a repetitive song structure you are right here. All crew members take the time to work in variation by variation with care, which makes this entertaining from the beginning to the end. So I dare to claim here we have a special snapshot of some spiritual experience. As for the ... let's say dramaturgy ... the album features weird (brass) and complex moments embraced by more classic space rock tunes where the last one Phase Seven is a manufactured summary, basically comprising several impressions from the previous tracks.

Featuring a cool gliding flow Phase Two appears as the most emotional sample to me. Wow ... wonderful spooky effects are added ... and I would bet a theremin is in use here too (though not listed). I love this one! Phase Three is typical for their approach to alternate between noisy crescendos and relaxed parts where Phase Six reminds me of Djam Karet in some way. I recommend to assimilate this in one go - they have offered a really gripping show - 4.5 stars!