ULTRAMARINE

Like many Scandinavian albums I have heard, GROOVECTOR's debut provides an aural infusion of midday darkness, directly transmitting the sadness that goes along with S.A.D as only those in the extreme latitudes can do. What is most impressive here is that they do it without vocals, and with a mostly disciplined mix of "Incantations/Platinum" era MIKE OLDFIELD and far flung fusion influences.

The mix of shorter and longer tracks works well too, with highlights coming from the full spectrum. My favourite is "Selangor", which starts with nature sounds and acoustic guitar picking a divine melody. The drums and wailing lead guitars come in next, sometimes double teamed, with nimble drums and mood enhancing keys. When it settles down the theme returns in a deconstructed form on lead, and we realize it never really left. This masterpiece is unfortunately one of a kind on the disk, but the closer "Elegie" ties up the themes presented less precisely on the opening cut, and explores more deeply with woodwinds and keys as well as dramatic flareups on the organ. One of the many strong aspects is how well the mood shifts occur.

While this is for the most part an enjoyable and well thought out album, on a number of occasions I do feel as though I am listening to a group that still has to fully get its act together. Unfortunately, under today's conditions, bands often don't get an opportunity to mature, with obstacles like day jobs and the like. These reservations aside, it's worth plumbing the depths of "Ultramarine".