HERD OF INSTINCT

I've been enjoying this disc for a couple of weeks now and figured it was time for a review. This Texas band are a trio but there are many guests helping out including Gavin Harrison, Pat Mastelotto and Gayle Ellett who also happened to master this album. Gayle of course is from DJAM KARET and this band is on their label called Firepool Records.

"Transformation" is a short instrumental with dark keys, heavy drums and atmosphere. A calm with voices and atmosphere after a minute. "A Room Without Shadows" reminds me of PORCUPINE TREE when it kicks in hard. it settles in before a minute and contrasts will continue. A great sounding song. "Road To Ashville" has a definite Eastern vibe with the sitar and there are many other interesting sounds as well. It kicks in heavily at 2 minutes but not for long as it calms right down with flute. It's heavy again as contrasts continue. "Hex" is dark with an eerie atmosphere until it kicks in before 1 1/2 minutes. The tempo then picks up but it settles back as it continues to shift. "Blood Sky" has intricate sounds like Warr guitar, marimba and percussion as female vocals join in. Mellotron on this one as well. Yay !

"Anamnesis" has some excellent sounding drums and it's heavy. Pat adds drums,percussion and electronics to this one. Guitar to the fore 2 1/2 minutes then it all settles back some. The next two tracks have Gavin on the kit. "Vibrissa" has a haunting intro then the guitar comes in screaming along with some heaviness. It then becomes atmospheric and spacey. It picks up before 4 minutes. "Possession" is melancholic and dark with percussion out front. Some vocal expressions and then it turns experimental to end it. "S. Karma" is heavy but laid back. We get a flute solo and the atmosphere seems to come and go. "The Face Of Another" is a percussion led track. Some angular guitar before 2 1/2 minutes and then the Warr guitar eventually takes over. Lots of atmosphere here.

Heck there's lots of programming, samples, loops and treatments as well on this album, making this a very interesting listen. Love the album cover too.The band says RIP to Captain Beefheart and Mick Karn in the liner notes. Amen to that. A fascinating listen and it's like taking a journey into the unknown.