TEMPLE GARDEN

Here's some thriving news from Austin, Texas, sent out by the congenial brothers Brandon and Eric Carbenia, who already have made some experiences with the metal oriented band 'Firmament' beforehand. On this occasion they are offering progressive psych/space music basically, fortified with some charming pop art rock. Being a trio basically they joined with James Cosner (guitar, bass), aiming to create new music in their home studio. 'I was driven from a dying world which no one can restore, went to colony A7C and joined the space patrol ...' - recited just for a rough orientation, because 'Redshift' is grounded in a Sci-Fi concept, '... a story of loss, tragedy, and triumph'. We are following space traveller Miro, who's going on a series of adventures throughout the universe. Now fasten the seatbelts, they are realizing the visual aspect through some 360 degree listening videos, that put you in the driver's seat of patrol ship Luria.

Furthermore an Ebook is available too, that delivers the whole story respectively lyrics. As already implied beforehand, music-wise this is a compelling blend of progressive rock and psych pop. King Crimson meets Tame Impala, if you will. Attention though, very simplified of course, just in order to reduce this to the essential core by way of exception. Also, unpredictable flow meets haunting melodies. For example the mellow Android Babe (Luria) comes along with a reference to the 1973 Magma space opera Galactik Kommandoh, a very busy and expressive example, also featuring punk and latin/jazz influences alongside with saxophone input. Fine vocals are enriching the melancholic title track Redshift. Quirky yet amazing, Mr. Mikey's Megalithic Ziggurat is leading the spaceship on a heavy dramatic course in between.

A special kudos now for the extraterrestrial I Left My Marlboros On A7C. Simply a masterpiece, the composition on one hand, but also the instrumental implementation. I mean the halting groove, the powerful hypnotic drum beat, the progress later, featuring playful guitars and punching bass. While being underway forth and back on a space travel, '... time sure flies when you're cryogenically frozen ...'. The closing ambient Vex then seems to be an appropriate sonical background for their spaceship cabin videos. When looking for similar music projects regarding the general musical approach the Boston based band Sunset Mission comes into my mind. During a range of round about 50 minutes, and backed by an entertaining story, they are offering a wonderful eclectic attitude and stylistical crossover on 'Redshift'. Great stuff! 4.5 stars so far. Next nomination for my album of the year contest.