TORPOR

This Brighton respectively Nottingham based band features former DIAGONAL members Luke Foster (drums) and Alex Crispin (guitar, vocals). 'Torpor' is their second album, if you won't count a demo release from 2010 in. Well, there's not any chance to pigeonhole them stylistically, as they are embracing diverse genres with ease. Their debut 'Columns', released two years before, could not convince me in its entirety, due to a mixed bag of impressions, like green fruit somehow. Except the song 'Sinner' - this one in some way sounds in anticipation of the new recordings - still has a place in my best-of collection, ensured to keep this band in good memory.

While the cover art comes a bit shy, minimalistic, the musical content has plenty to offer. It's a sophisticated production, a fairly mystic album moreover. I mean, just take the heavy-hearted Mark Maker and especially the organ during the last two minutes - then it depends on your mood next - either it will serve some bad feeling like attending a funeral, or alternatively it appears as something wonderful melancholic. Overall there's a relaxed, captivating and even hypnotic feel to state. This will clarify some references to kraut rock, which are coming up here and there regarding this band.

Deeper Align eventually grooves though, at least for a while, an exception from the standard. The acoustic ballad Dark Down sees Joe Hollick of Wolf People fame assisting on acoustic guitar. Occasionally you will detect glimpses of Tame Impala's psych folk pop as well as Talk Talk's deep melancholy. On the other hand Stry, courtesy of Joe Hollick again, evolves into a heavy space post rock tune par excellence during the course. Provided with the mantra 'Can You See In The Dark?' Wild Cry marks the album highlight then.

It's a perfect song, the nice repetitive organ theme as well as Alex Crispin's guitar and voice are excellently matching. The drone excursion Albedo Dei finally closes a really successfull journey when crossing a rather unique BARON cosmos. While being equipped with a fair amount of psychedelic essence, including different complementing facets and enchanting melodies, this album has turned out well. The crew is on course definitely.