SYMETRIA

This is the latest studio album from HIDRIA SPACEFOLK called "Symetria". Their debut called "Symbiosis" is one I hold in high esteem when it comes to this genre.The one that followed and this their third studio album just don't measure up to it be honest. Sure they're both good albums but I feel spoiled after hearing their debut first. As someone else mentioned this one is maybe more straightforward and less innovative.The bottom line for me is that it had few moments that I really enjoyed. In that sense I feel that out of their three studio albums this is my least favourite.

"Symetria" opens with pounding drums and bass as the guitar and synths play over top. It's heavier before 1 1/2 minutes.Some good guitar before 2 minutes and after 4 minutes on this one. "Futur Lxiom" has a catchy rhythm early on. It settles before 2 1/2 minutes. Processed words come and go.It kicks back in around 4 minutes.This is good.The guitar sounds great 7 minutes in. "322" is my favourite, but even this one lets me down towards the end. Strummed guitar to open as the heaviness joins in quickly.This all sounds really good until it changes before 5 minutes.

"Flora / Fauna" has some guest accordion and a mellow soundscape early on. It gets fuller then settles back. Contrasts continue until a change for the better 3 minutes in as the tempo picks up. Guitar after 4 minutes, then the accordion returns 5 1/2 minutes in. Great track ! "Radien" builds until we get this catchy beat.The guitar is prominant 2 1/2 minutes in. It settles 5 minutes in but not for long. Great sound 7 minutes in. The OZRICS come to mind here. "Sine" has a darker than usual sound to start. It picks up before a minute then settles back 2 1/2 minutes in with spacey synths. Very psychedelic and I love it. It picks up 6 1/2 minutes in. A calm 10 minutes in to the end.

3 stars.