MECHANISMS (PART 1)

One word from me ... impressive.

CRANIUM PIE evolved gradually as a psychedelic progressive quintet since 2006, from the darkest subterranean caverns of Wiltshire, in the South West of England. They have released several singles via UK independent labels Fruits De Mer and Bracken, and finally they released this fascinating creation - "Mechanisms (Part 1)".

Via this whole album, we can realize CRANIUM PIE have been pretty influenced by Pink Floyd, and their Floydish essence can be found here and there. But simultaneously I'm sure they should not simply be an imitative project of Floyd. They have more garagey texture and, like a Japanese pride Far East Family Band, definite Oriental moonshine, blended with Floydish mellow and gloomy basis. Their versatile sense opens widely from the beginning of the first spacey track "This Was Now, The Awakening Of The Birds" (with such a meaningful title). Eccentric electronic emblems and keen kaleidoscopic kicks can be used so effectively that their cranial world with hypnotically delicious pie goes forward.

The following track "Rememberrr" (previously released as an EP) obviously can remind us Pink Floyd in Syd period, and notify us also more spacey, more spicy seasoning with keyboard solo and fine synthesizer splash. Not a simple copy of Syd they've shot, but they've expressed high waves of cranial ocean in this tune I feel. Vaster and vaster their inner world and soundscape gets, leaning toward Far East Family Band ... at least for me. The former half of "Drying In The Sun" is a dreamy desert. Not heard such a dry, but warm sound storm, that blows me into another shock. The last song "Run To Survive" can throw us heavy blues touch with a bit pop footprints (my love). And yeah, the title track is a collective edition of CRANIUM PIE's sound essence - with heavy, deep riffs created by Dan's guitar solo, Steve & Julian's dark and strict rhythm section, Rob's flexible keyboard flood, Tim's addictive sound creation, and sticky, crazy voices - killa one.

Exactly a promising project, I'm looking forward also to their "Part 2".

Now here we have the first full album offered by this promising UK psych prog band CRANIUM PIE - under way since 2006 and therefore a relatively new crew on the scene by all means. 'Mechanisms Pt. 1' is announced as a concept album, however the real truth, the deeper sense behind this seems to be self-contained, remains mysterious. And while they promise to continue on these paths, part 2 will hopefully appear next year, at which point all will become clear ... probably.

This Was Now, The Awakening of the Birds opens the album, during five minutes they are spreading a wonderful ethereal flair coupled with krautrock leanings. Rememberrr then distinctly refers to the early Pink Floyd movement, musically shines especially due to Rob Appleton's fine organ decoration. With Zones, Mothership they first remind me of the jamming Cary Grace band, wow, what an expressive soaring guitar! Something dramatic somehow, decorated with different sampled voices. As for the final minutes they sink into a strong Pink Floyd sentiment again initiated by swirling synths.

The irresistible album title song represents some hypnotic mechanical behaviour indeed, mainly caused by a simple corresponding bass line and organ riff, speaking of the fundament. As for that the title suits fine ... on the other hand the composition is certainly entertaining too due to some twists and turns.

This album will be assigned to my best-of list for 2011, definitely ... a fantastic atmosphere CRANIUM PIE deliver with this six songs. I would call up the great organ/synth input by mastermind Rob Appleton first and foremost. And Julian Smith's cool and relaxed drumming also counts, as well as the impressive fuzzy electric as well as folksy acoustic guitars provided by Dan Herra. All together they successfully pick up the early Pink Floyd/Syd Barrett spirit I would say, and create something contemporarily new on top of it. Highly recommended!

UK outfit CRANIUM PIE was formed back in 2006, and from their base in the Southwestern part of England they have since been featured on vinyl single productions issued by small indie labels and contributed to various theme-based sampler collections of psychedelic music. "Mechanisms Pt. 1" is their full length debut album, and was released in the fall of 2011.

"Mechanisms Pt. 1" isn't a production that will surprise anyone, other than for the fact that it has been released in 2011 rather than in 1970. But anyone with affection for psychedelic progressive rock of the true vintage variety should find this disc to be a very interesting one, true to form in sound, performance and production. If you can get hold of it that is, as this album shares the fate of most other productions issued by Fruits de Mer: the album sold out within a few weeks of its official release date.

Originating from Wiltshire at the South part of UK, Cranium Pie started in 2006 under the guidance of keyboardist/singer Rob Appleton and his bandmate Tim Bray (vocals, effects).They released several singles and tracks on compilations for some small independent labels, before recording their debut ''Mechanisms part 1'' at their own Baking Research Station with Dan Herra on guitars/vocals, Steve Meadows on bass and Julian Smith on drums/vocals.The album was released in 2011 on Regal Crabomophone, originally issued only in vinyl version.

The band seems to have been forgotten somewhere in late-60's/early-70's, having as an ultimate inspiration the luxurious music flexibility of Syd Barrett-era PINK FLOYD.''This was now - The awakening of the birds'' opens in a very psychedelic mood with Electronic effects, distorted vocals and calm acoustic guitars producing a really obscure piece, that leads to ''Rememberrr''.This track was already issued by the band as a single in 2010 on Bracken Records, following a typical FLOYD-ian enviroment with psychedelic grooves and extended organ solos in a strong jamming approach as well as great vocals with a beautiful British color.The two-part ''Zones - Mothership'' opens with a low-tempo guitar-driven groove, followed by distorted vocals and later some cosmic synth effects, a bit like OZRIC TENTACLES.A beautiful theme with a folky atmosphere on theremin opens for ''Drying in the sun'', that soon transforms into a massive battle of organ and synth effects, followed by a nice and mellow lyrical, acoustic texture.The eponymous track, which clocks at almost 10 minutes, is absolutely satisfying, old-school British Psych/Progressive Rock with organs and bass/drums in evidence, sometimes close to early SOFT MACHINE, yet again PINK FLOYD seem to be the major influence.Plenty of acid solos and jamming rhythms appear in a very good composition.''Run to survive'' won't escape the same rule with Herra's guitar scratching all the way over the HAWKWIND-alike vocals of Appleton and a steady rhythm section supporting.

The early PINK FLOYD sound is still alive with Cranium Pie...a band that denies to conform with the new world era and produces vintage material both in musical and productional values.Recommended.