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Topic ClosedListen to the music of today / #2 Combat Astronomy

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harmonium.ro View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Topic: Listen to the music of today / #2 Combat Astronomy
    Posted: January 07 2011 at 02:03
Cool, first new review!


Earth Divided By Zero
Combat Astronomy RIO/Avant-Prog

Review by zravkapt
Prog Reviewer

3 stars My first taste of Combat Astronomy. This group goes for that 'brutal' sound that some modern avant bands are into. The dominant instrument here is the loud distorted bass. It gets a bit much after awhile; it would have been nice if there was a little more variation. In addition to the bass there is some drums, wordless vocals and wind instruments(saxes, clarinet). There is also some electronics added as well.

The album begins with a female voice that reminds me of Il Balleto di Bronzo's Ys album. "Parallax Of One Arc Second" opens with a nice mix of acoustic piano and electric piano. Then the bass and drums come in and drown that all out. Things get better with the wordless female vocals and the saxes. "Eating Backwards" has a cool title. Starts with some good spacey effects. Some sax skronking at the end. The title track is divided in three parts, the second part being the most interesting. More mellow than the other two parts. The vocals in the third part are pretty good. "The Atrocity Commission" is the longest song. Starts out with a 'brutal' sounding part, and then a long less intense section with winds, piano and effects. Goes back to the 'brutal' part later. Interesting percussion sounds near the end.

Sometimes the music sounds like a slowed down Ruins. The bass and drums are in your face and rarely let anything else breathe. Recommended to those who like the heavier, noisier end of modern avant-prog. A good effort but nothing spectacular. 3 stars.


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Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 30 2010 at 06:50
This album needs more love Cry

Originally posted by Padraic Padraic wrote:

Re: the sample:  very dark, I have to be in right mood to appreciate this one, I think.  But overall I thought it was very good.


Oh, I didn't notice this. Glad you're not asking for your money back! Big smile
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 22 2010 at 17:20
 
Originally posted by harmonium.ro harmonium.ro wrote:

Thanks are due to Marty, who didn't like the album very much but whose brilliant description of it made me curious. Cheers Marty!  

Thanks. I think that it needs a review from genre fan, to counterweight it a little bit.

There's a point where "avant-garde" and "experimental" becomes "terrible" and "pointless,"

   -Andyman1125 on Lulu







Even my
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 22 2010 at 09:32
Originally posted by harmonium.ro harmonium.ro wrote:

Err, the idea of these threads is listen first, buy later (if satisfied) Tongue

You're not the boss of me.  Tongue

Re: the sample:  very dark, I have to be in right mood to appreciate this one, I think.  But overall I thought it was very good.


Edited by Padraic - December 22 2010 at 09:34
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 22 2010 at 09:25
Err, the idea of these threads is listen first, buy later (if satisfied) Tongue
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 22 2010 at 09:18
Downloading now from the band's bandcamp.  Listening to Alex's sample now.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 22 2010 at 09:01
Interesting album. I didn't listen it till now.

Too industrial,a bit too totalitarian (or zeuhl-influenced) and not complex and elegant enough as for my taste, but some moments (as free jazz sax attacks) are impressive!

I think another similar and surprisingly interesting album ,released this year is Norwegian Ultralyd's album. More quirky and Krautish...
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 20 2010 at 09:23
sounds like Daevid Allen suffering from manic depression
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 20 2010 at 07:29
The big bump!

Here's my favourite track on the album if you want a preview:




Edited by harmonium.ro - December 20 2010 at 07:31
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: November 15 2010 at 11:23
Actually it's been a good year for avant, metal and fusion (from PA genres), unfortunately there aren't as many albums that can be streamed on the internet as I would have hoped. I'd also recommend the new Yugen, the new Terje Rypdal (this is going to be my next recommendation in this series), the debut Xing Sa, the new album from the Norvegian Shining (avant-prog gone death metal), one or two from the new John Zorn albums, and probably the new Jean Louis too (I didn't hear it yet, it just got out). And quite some metal albums, too.

Don't forget to check this out: , I'm sure you won't regret it.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: November 15 2010 at 09:20

Well Alex, I had almost given up on 2010 but it seems like I should have spent more time wih RIO.
Allow me a few more dozens of 70s reviews and I'll follow up on your suggestions!

Edited by Bonnek - November 15 2010 at 09:21
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: November 14 2010 at 21:39
Well yeah. I meant the first one in CD form (as well as this newest one).
 
Gotta say...first listen is damn impressive. Love the use of the woodwinds over the churning bass. Is Dreams No Longer Hesitate similar? It says it's the same lineup but from what I read it seemed more vocal and lighter.
Dig me...But don't...Bury me
I'm running still, I shall until, one day, I hope that I'll arrive
Warning: Listening to jazz excessively can cause a laxative effect.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: November 14 2010 at 09:30
Originally posted by harmonium.ro harmonium.ro wrote:

You mean there is a CD? I thought they were only selling the files.


There are cd's for at least the last three albums (I have them all).


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Direct Link To This Post Posted: November 13 2010 at 17:28
You mean there is a CD? I thought they were only selling the files.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: November 13 2010 at 17:21
Haha...wasn't aware it was up for streaming. I actually just bought it. Had their debut for quite some time, didn't do much for me honestly. But a lot of positive words about this one, good descriptions as well. Plus it was fairly cheap so I thought I'd go for it.
Dig me...But don't...Bury me
I'm running still, I shall until, one day, I hope that I'll arrive
Warning: Listening to jazz excessively can cause a laxative effect.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: November 12 2010 at 20:16
I admire James Huggett execution of his vision in creating this dense, heavy, crushing and hypnotic music. Listening to these albums is an intense experience. 
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: November 12 2010 at 20:11
Bump.

If you want to try one of the tracks from the album to see if you'd be interested, here's my favourite: http://www.trilulilu.ro/harmonium/795d7217cbac74


Edited by harmonium.ro - November 12 2010 at 20:16
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: November 03 2010 at 17:09
You really need to try this, Jon and Pat, if not you than who else? It's your "territory" after all Wink

Assaf, thank you so much for the support Thumbs Up
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: November 03 2010 at 16:49
Another great release in their catalog! 
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: November 03 2010 at 15:59
I've had their bandcamp bookmarked for a while, still have to check this out. 
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