DIFFERENT CREATURES

Scott Heller (aka Dr Space) and his fellow musical friends that form the Øresund Space Collective have delivered two official works in 2015, both of them a mix of double/triple vinyl and multi-CD sets of fully improvisational space-rock. While the superb previous one `Out into Space' was sourced directly from three-set concert performances, `Different Creatures' was worked on in a studio and recorded live over a three day period, and it might have turned out to be the strongest ØSC release to date. Incorporating violin, sitar (in a very different manner to their ambient/raga work `West Space and Love' from 2012) and perhaps giving a heavier prominence to electronics and experimental psychedelia than before, this one has their most diverse range of sounds and a larger variety of moods, as well as even more dense and complex material that never loses the spontaneous sound that the band is known for.

Thoughtful violin whispers may glide through the twenty minute opener of the first disc `The Ride to Valhalla', but it quickly reveals a crash of unceasing and frantic up-tempo drumming and heavy guitar blasts. `Juggle the Juice' is a welcome twisted psychedelic mind-spasm interlude, and calming synth breezes float around drifting ethereal sitar strains, drowsy bass, careful pattering drums and slow-burn electric guitar in the 30 minute `Digestive Raga', another one of their most mellow and laid-back sublime moments that purrs along on toasty vibes. `The Man from Wales' is a sexy wasted guitar and gorgeous organ plod, and `Bon Voyage' is a swirling vortex of experimental electronic twitches and mud-thick distorted bass with maddening building drums.

The two extended pieces that take up the 65 minute second disc reach even impossibly greater heights. The twenty-minute `Raga for Jerry G' is one of the dreamiest, most placid, even sweetest and carefully reflective pieces ever committed to disc by any variation of the ØSC, a soothing haze of weeping sitar strings, careful violin strains, gently blowing synth winds, electric piano ​glistenings and even drowsy country-flavoured slide guitar ruminations. The ambitious 45 minute album closer `20 Steps Towards the Invisible Door' heads closer to deep space madness again, Tangerine Dream-like sequencers and loops taking on a creeping and darker machine menace, harsher electric guitar drones and a breathless rumble of rising drumming. Scratchy violin slivers dance around bubbling synths and teases of eastern flavours before exploding into unhinged electric guitar wailing like a storm, with a final effective come-down the perfect way to ease back to Earth.

The ØSC have always delivered strong albums, but that true greatness they'd always had within their reach has finally been fully realised here. If you're already familiar with the group and the sort of eclectic space music its mostly revolving door of musicians and guests can deliver, then you already know the talent on display and the colourful works they deliver with every release. But if you're looking for an introduction to the band presenting some of their best ever material, then this would also make for an ideal title to explore from them first.

`Different Creatures' is a defining release for the Øresund Space Collective, one of the most varied, special and exciting space-rock/psych releases of the year, and simply one of the best overall progressive-related releases of 2015.

Five stars.

3.5 stars. I discovered this band in 2008 and promptly had 3 of their first 4 studio albums and man was I impressed. In the mid 10's I decided to get something more current from them and picked this one up from 2015 based on Michael's 5 star review. I should have connected that the title "Different Creatures" is referring to the variety of songs offered up. I'm not big on variety and especially when we get a double cd worth of music just under 140 minutes. Seven tracks over two cds so we get some long ones folks.

By the way the band is named after the bridge that connects Denmark with Sweden since it was a collaboration between Sweden's BLAND BLADEN and MANTRIC MUSE with the wild card being American Dr. Space who has been the constant on this project that has had over 30 musicians come through it's doors and most from known bands. This recording has two members of GOSTA BERLINGS SAGA, one from SIENNA ROOT, one from MY BROTHER THE WIND and one from AGUSA for example. Dave Schmidt and the PAPIR guys and so many more have also played on past records.

This was recorded live in studio in Denmark over 3 days where the band is based. I almost feel like I should be talking about the tracks that are keeping me from giving this 4 stars over my top three. I'm not big on the shortest track "Juggle The Juice" that almost comes across as a novelty song with those high pitched electronics. "Digestive Raga" is actually pretty good but 30 minutes is too long. "Raga For Jerry G" dedicated to the GRATEFUL DEAD member and we get slide guitar dominating this 20 minute track. I have such a hard time with not connecting the slide guitar with country music. Even if there are some classic moments out there in Rock like "Layla" for example.

"Bon Voyage" is only 6 minutes long and it ends disc one in a positive way for me. Highlight of the whole recording is "The Man From Wales" a 13 1/2 minute track that grooves. Love the organ and guitar in this one. This and the opener "The Ride To Valhalla" are top threes and the opener is a 19 1/2 minute piece opening with spacey winds as we buckle up for the ride. Plenty of violin and electronics in this one. How about the closer of disc two the 45 minute "20 Steps Towards The Invisible Door" I mean it has it all.

My top three would be around 78 minutes of music and would get a very high rating from me. I just can't hit the 4 stars for this one though even though there's probably something here for everyone.