FLIGHT TO METALUNA

Even though I'm very interested in digging out new psych/space stuff especially from Germany I wasn't aware of BACKSTREET ROMEOS since a member from Spain(!) recommended the band some time ago - thanks Victor! In the meantime I've got into contact with the former band guitarist Werner Osterrieder and could reach for a rare copy of this self-released album. Please let me express that first - it was worth while by all means.

The band didn't exist for a long time. They got together in 1996 representing different musical influences and were able to work out a debut album which units their affinities to a very interesting diversified effort. A second album also exists from one year later recorded by a different line-up but no informations are available though. After that BACKSTREET ROMEOS disbanded and the members went on to make music with their preferred orientation. Significant for example are some raga/world music elements which Werner Osterrieder actually is advancing with his project 'Saraswathi Lounge'.

Their live performances must have been something special when they presented a slide show accentuating the musical aspect combined with excerpts from speeches of politicians or the pope what brought the band near to a cabaret show sometimes. Missing this when exploring the album content you should at least follow the instructions given somewhere on the inlet. 'Turn lights low, play it loud, share with your next'. And this applies to the instrumental Schizoid Impressions- a very promising jam containing a special combination of symphonic and psychedelic elements. Some highlights: dogs barking - floydy keyboard patterns - staccato repetitive bass and drums - swirling synths and spaced out guitars. Wow - this is excellent songwriting and composing!.

Plastic Human follows as a groovy rocking thing - more accessible with a slight jazzy touch caused by a piano solo for example and a canterbury bass appearance. And then we are getting deep into the asian continent for twenty minutes with some intensive world music/raga impressions. Looming first with Sunrise In Goa opening as an ordinary high-speed rock song approximately with talkbox and a jazzy keyboard solo but later showing also some world music ambience with sitar. Now after that the band is singing 'Hare Krishna' and with Bhagavad Gita we have already arrived in India - but only partially because a funky bass and spacey keyboard/guitar contributions are also pointing to other musical styles - all in all a very interesting successful song blending different genres.

Walking With The Wind definetely picks us up for the journey into space rock. Not directly and provided with some detours - you first have to withstand a mainstream guitar/vocal appearance but then spacey synths are coming up coupled with a repetitive bass and diversified guitar impressions.Romeos Aquarius should be considered as a funky interlude and then the epic core Pandora´s Box follows. What an impressing spacey swirling bubbling middle section - definetely the album highlight for me! The talkbox appears once again, a Pink Floyd reminiscence isn't far away. And this is all wrapped into a symphonic border.

An elaborated piece of work by all means and a professional workout for a self-released album. All musicians are acting on a high standard. Not only recommended to psych/space fans.