HYDROCULTURE

The band's latest official studio effort as such if you don't count 'Virtual Vinyl' (2007) which was recorded under live circumstances nearly - only available (for free) from their website. Don't miss that when you're a fan of jamming space rock! The band remains faithful to their stylistical orientation over the course of time. Released in 1998 'Hydroculture' is lacking of usual vocals but experimenting with voice samples a lot. The music is focussing on fine sensitive but also heavy (twin) guitars, offered with a high proportion of improvisation.

The starting Be or the later presented Figwort are confirming that where the following Tocrack shows TRIBE OF CRO's experimental synthesizer skills at first. Where Science And Magic Meet is started in a heavier aggressive mood but calming down to a spacey highlight then because of the excellently accentuated interaction of both guitars later on. A song which is faded out into Life dominated by mysterious narration loops and a decent dub rhythm - great!

Surprisingly the title track with a more straightforward rocking behaviour sounds uninspired to me - never mind - some other good songs are following. For example the And The Ants Marched (On), probably derived from a longer jam session because faded in this time. Or the weird Truant based on circulating swirling synthesizer contributions and crazy voice samples.

As for similar bands Oresund Space Collective comes into my mind because most of the songs are consisting of a grooving behaviour. 'Hydroculture' is recommended showing an experimental attitude as well as fine improvised space rock - 3.5 stars.