RELATIONS AT THE BORDERS BETWEEN

Long awaited ... since the songs were recorded more than one year ago basically ... the new BEYOND-O-MATIC album is out now. Peter Fuhry took all the time in the world to make it good - in order to append overdubs and to refine this stuff while editing and mixing in collaboration with George Dugan in his New York based I-Heights Studio. Yes, it was worth while - Trail Records can be proud to offer another exceptional album to us progressive rock fans, especially those who are from the psychedelic and space rock fold.

Here we have more extended songs compared to the predecessor 'Time To Get Up', released in 2010, on the same label by the way. So five out of seven are beyond the ten minute mark exactly. That means there's more room for jam and improv parts overall. The tunes predominantly come slow- respectively midtempo arranged. The album's unique flavour results from the hypnotic, halting behaviour - a special spaced out mood. And yes, Peter sings about mushrooms in between, but those of course sauteed in some butter and wine, right?

Apropos uniqueness - I should not forget to mention his high-pitched voice of course, partially polyphonic and experimentally modified - not for everyone's taste probably - a real sensation anyhow if you ask me. Besides him the band's steady core also features Stenzo on synths and drummer Anthony Koutsos. Almost without exception the bass comes from the electronic fold (at least according to the sleeve informations) - this is not what I would prefer, but on the other hand not a problem at all here either. In addition to that Stenzo serves some quirky snippets.and tons of well put spheric patterns.

Starting with the more compact tracks I would like to mention Tick Tock Rock first, which has the focus on vocals, as for that not a rock song as a matter of fact - a fine experiment anyhow. Wish yields a wonderful jamming part during the second half, including haunting guitar and nice flute respectively tribal percussion work. And then In Two OS ends with a brutal cut ... eeh! - SHIT! ... during the first listening session I really thought my CD was corrupted.

Never mind - BEYOND-O-MATIC readjust this shock immediately though with the following lovely (love? - generally I'm not good in exploring lyrics in English language) song - provided as a bittersweet symphony probably. This CD is brim-full of entertaining music, I really adore when bands extend their songs with some jam approach. 'Relations At The Borders Between' is something off the beaten path obviously, it's melodic and enjoyable anyhow - as for that the songwriting marks a perfect blend of experimentalism and accessibility - absolutely recommended!

US band BEYOND-O-MATIC was formed in the early 90s, releasing three full length albums and then going on hiatus. A brief reunion just after the millennium saw them record and release a fourth album, and then another state of hiatus was forthcoming. Sometime after 2010 they decided to have another go, and "Relations at the Border Between" documents the creations of the current version of the band. The album was released in 2013 through the US label Trail Records.

If you enjoy improvised psychedelic rock of the space rock variety, Beyond-O-Matic is a band that merits an inspection. Their arguably retro-oriented take on this type of music, sporting an organic 70's oriented atmosphere rather than a more modern one, is a compelling listen, and the inclusion of vocals does make these cosmic journeys a bit more accessible than the great number of all-instrumental space rock bands out there. A band and an album well worth an inspection by both junior and seasoned space cadets.

Part Canterbury fun, part Komische space rock, this is a eminently enjoyable album, start to finish. With a psychedelic sound reminiscent of the 60s and 70s San Francisco scene (which is, coincidentally, from where this band hails).

1. "In the C" (5:14) is a very GONG-sounding jam with plenty of wild electronic gadgetry playing around in the background throughout. (10/10)

2. "Tick Tock" (2:29) Again, Daevid Allen's GONG is all that comes to mind while listening to this one. (9/10)

3. "Wish" (15:38) With this song the band move into the realm of space/psychedelia. (Not that Canterbury bands-- especially Gong and Steve Hillage--didn't use space/psychedelia sound palettes and techniques.) (9/10)

4. "In Two Os" (12:57) (8/10)

5. "Turn Switch to Trust" (10:43) is a very cool, very spacey, slow and ethereal journey into nether worlds--like a shamanic journey. Wonderful vocal layering throughout this beautiful song. (9/10)

6. "But the Love" (10:04) I love the slow build, "Hurdy Gurdy Man"-wavering of the guitar tracks and poetic lyrics of this one. (9/10)

7. "Out of C" (2:26) a true Country/Western-Bluegrass song! (8/10)

A real surprise and sleeper for 2013. Solid four stars.

3.5 stars. These seven tracks were compiled from some improvised sessions they did in their home city of San Francisco in May of 2012. This is a long one at close to 73 minutes with the last five songs ranging from 10 to16 minutes. I was really surprised at this one after being blown away by their previous album "Time To Get Up". These were from improvs though so a lot of jamming and space here but it's not even close as far as the quality of songs go. Still it's tough not giving this 4 stars knowing how good the vocals and compositions were on "Time To Get Up" and then hearing both being not as good but still impressing me. Problem is there's lots of so-so sections and even songs keeping me from going all in on 4 stars.

Man those first two shorter tracks had me wondering what was going on. I mean I give Peter and the band credit for going to far away places and shaking things up from that earlier record but it just doesn't always work. "In The C" is catchy and the vocals are given prominence. Just not big on this one. Even less so with "Tick Tock Rock" with those soft vocals and sound. "Wish" and "Turn, Switch, Trust" are the two tunes I like quite a bit and we are in four star territory with these. Experimental early but when it turns powerful I'm all in. Vocals at 2 minutes and this is so good. Some flute too leading the way then more vocals and a spacey calm. It becomes quite catchy with electronics and flute as it builds then they jam to the end.

"In Tow Os" puts the focus on the vocals but man after 10 minutes it turns surprisingly heavy to the end. Really good. "Out The C" ends it and it opens with these beautiful sounds in atmosphere and it stays sparse until kicking in around 2 1/2 minutes and those vocals get passionate at times as it trips along with sounds that echo. Some cool vocal arrangements before 6 minutes as the sound gets fuller. It calms down late to the end. "Turn, Switch, Trust" the other song I really like opens with this gorgeous atmosphere with light guitar. Beats and bass then these emotional vocals arrive along with experimental sounds. Atmosphere 6 minutes in leads the way then vocals at 7 1/2 minutes as themes are repeated. Gotta love his passion 9 minutes in.

I am thrilled to own "Time To get Up" and have BEYOND-O-MATIC in my Psychedelic collection but this one was more challenging in different ways.