LORD SPACE DEVIL

I take my hat off for the competence to create 18 excellent songs for one album. Except the title track and the last one they don't reach the four minute mark. Most bands of the genre take it more easy probably and offer some extended jams which requires not so much sophistication. But COSMIC TRIP MACHINE eventually differs. The project is made of two mates from Belgium who are deep in the flower power mood of the 60/70s. The recording quality prevents you from assuming somebody has digged out a lost gem from the cellar or the attic somewhere.

Well - where should I start? Okay - let's say you're running across sitars everywhere, for example immediately on the opening title track. Very cool and provided with a rich instrumentation - percussion, acoustic/electric guitar, bass and synths are additionally acting - a mellow thing with a nice melody - only the electronic weird end is somewhat contrary and another hint for a modern production. Will's voice is excellently matching by the way. All in all the tile song manages the task to make curious for more.

You will fail to detect some drum playing on the album. This is kept for the next one which is announced for 2009 - and for the live performances. Acoustic guitars are dominating - but more than in a simple singer/songwriter vein - so to hear on Floor which has a nice decent electric piano accompaniment. Mantra #27 pleases me because offering a more weird combination of oriental feeling and heavy psych guitar plus nearly aggressive bass playing. This is one of the songs where you might be disappointed about their shortness. The same for Giallo (Profondo Argento) with fantastic spacey guitars.

Another Venus - american westcoast feeling comes up here. Excursions into a more bluesy terrain are also integrated with Plastic Hippie. Mariachi - The twilight and Chiaroscuro are hijacking you to South Europe in a more classical mood. Lonely Grave with dual acoustic guitar is probably the most melancholic tune you can find - gentle and mellow. But the following contrary Conversation wakes you up immediately with doubled hard rocking AC/DC guitars and some whacked-out statements. The last two songs belong to the longer ones. The ballad In the Haze of drugs deals with the tempation of drug use and shows some scary sound samples. The Last Song is wonderful asian flavoured with suitar and percussion but soon counteracted by a heavy psychedelic guitar and last but not least provided with a 'hidden track' gimmick.

'Lord Space Devil' is a psychedelia drenched album recommended for a listening session from the beginning to the end. Take your time and let the music flow. Monotony or boredom - what's that? A diversified piece of work with a professional sound mixing - rich on ideas and instrumentation.