ECHO IN LIGHT

The purpose and directionality might already have suited the union of outlooks on music on Lamp Of The Universe enough as a result. All elements the music character that the expression and he with all musical instruments that Craig Williamson does cultivated and to absorb to the expression of the outlook on music and the sound in which the one space is created are blocked.

Lamp Of The Universe and Craig Williamson are consubstantialities. Craig Williamson that started the activity in 1999 takes charge of all musical instruments to introduce the name of "Lamp Of The Universe" into the album as an incarnation. The necessity might have accompanied the expression and the music character as a guess. Role of existence and Craig Williamson of "Datura" to type out directionality of Downer/Stoner Rock in New Zealand. And, it exists about some musicians who have enumerated it as a musician from whom Craig Williamson was influenced. Flavor of Raga Rock that is reminiscent of "Magic Carpet" that joins part of psychedelic and Acid music and "Oriental Sunshine". Or, the music of the same Cranium label as the work group of "Saturnia" known as a band in Portugal is united and the sent music character. It is possible to listen to these elements enough of course also in this album.

The point that should make a special mention as a single unit of this Craig Williamson might be in the point that his outlook on music is obediently expressed. Or, the point that Craig Williamson privately takes charge of all musical instruments to introduce into the recording might be splendid. Introduction of element of electronic sound without staying in simple psychedelic and Raga Rock. Or, the flavor of Acid Folk is introduced. The expression of the song that expands those width might be splendid.

A good guitar in close relation to the flavor of Acid Folk and the repetition of the rhythm will affect "Freedom To Godliness" agreeable. The music character of Craig Williamson is demonstrated enough as for the repetition of the melody in close relation to the union of psychedelic Downer and the Folk music.

As for "Resonance", Raga Rock that takes the element of complete Drone is emphasized. Sitar that repeats a melody of an enchantment song and a heavy melody expresses a good blissout. Ensemble to introduce a guitar that gives an effective sound and an electronic sound effect creates one space.

"Our Celestial Flow" might be a tune established as complete Stoner Rock. Flow of single sound of continuing organ. Or, the Chord progress of the guitar that effectively uses the Wow pedal gives the flavor of complete psychedelic and Downer. When six minutes are passed, the tune constructs the enchantment world further accompanied by the chorus though solo of the guitar continues. There might be a part where the element of Krautrock in the 60's is recollected overall as an impression, too.

"Love" is a tune from which the atmosphere of good Acid Folk is emphasized. A pastoral sound caused by the synthesizer gives a good, transparent feeling. It has the impression that the rhythm of the arpeggio with an acoustic guitar and repeated Conga also gives the relief.

"Pyramids Of Sun" is a tune that Acid Folk and Raga Rock fuse completely. The melody with minor Chord gives the flow of good lyrical. Part of base noise effectively used. Flow that continues pastoral atmosphere while effectively using sound with diversity. Composition of melody that Sitar is good. The gaga part has gone out of the tune strongly as much as possible.

"Dream Sequence" expresses a very modern sound well. Establishment of Oriental melody. Or, an effective sound is processed with the keyboard and the guitar. The blissout continues. When ten minutes are passed, the tune rushes into the chaotic world. Music where without boldly changing the composition with a purpose never continues. I can feel one space even by this tune.

The part where the idea that Craig Williamson cultivated is always expressed attended with the necessity might go out of the music character of "Lamp Of The Universe" strongly.

This is one of those impulse buys about a band i knew nothing about and only took the plunge because i was hypnotized by the artwork on the album cover. I have found many a great album this way and i am happy to report that this one delivered exactly what the artwork suggests!

LAMP OF THE UNIVERSE is the solo project of Craig Williamson which was founded in 1999. He is also bassist and vocalist in the psychedelic rock band Datura. The music on this second album ECHO IN LIGHT from this solo project is a combo of freak folk, a cosmic raga rock hippy feeling like a long lost artifact from the 60s only with much cleaner production and a Floydian space rock but manages to sound different enough as to never bring the Pinksters to mind too often.

At first i thought this was a band which included a female vocalist but i was surprised to find out that this is truly a solo album where every instrument, vocal performance and production technique was by Williamson alone. Not bad! This is basically long drawn out mid-tempo acoustic guitar with tribal drumming, occasional droning of sitar sounds and spacey 60s vocals. Tracks like "Love" bring fellow Oceanic trippers Dead Can Dance to mind. The album flows well from track to track and i really only find the final track "Dream Sequence" to be longer than necessary.

For being recorded on a simple 8 track this sounds pretty damn good. This album was put out by Cranium Music which went belly up shortly after but would find a new home with Clostridium Records. This scratches the right psychedelic itch. It is highly melodic and has lots of variation to it. This is a perfect mix of spacey and triply otherworldliness mixed with nice and accessible melodic developments. Sign me up for another album. LAMP OF THE UNIVERSE did not disappoint.