FROM ABOVE

LUNAR DUNES are a young band from the UK who play a beat driven brand of psychedelia. I was reminded of OZRIC TENTACLES at times although these guys are more mellow. Bass, drums and guitar are the main instruments in play. Over 75 minutes of music here, and for me that's too much especially when there's not a lot of variety.

"From Above" kicks in with a pretty good rhythm right off the bat. Nice guitar too with prominant drums and bass. "As Below" has more of a prominant beat as the guitar plays over top. "Herzegovina" continues with that beat like the first two tracks but this one is even better. I like the guitar melody that comes and goes throughout as drums and bass lay the groundwork. Some female vocal melodies in this one too. "Loophole" features percussion throughout as other sounds come and go. "The Todal Gleeps" is a little spacey to open and quickly becomes the most dynamic and raw song so far. "Seaspray" is back to that more relaxed style with some good bass and guitar.

"Yaman" is a mellow, trippy tune with some excellent guitar 6 minutes in. "Rowing Boat" isn't as laid back as the last track but it's a relaxed tune nonetheless. Vibes 3 minutes in as it gets quite psychedelic. "When I Was On Horseback" opens with tampora an Indian instrument. A beat comes in and for me this one gets better as it plays out. "Scissorbell" is very psychedelic as sounds seem to echo. "My Lagan Love" is the longest song at 9 1/2 minutes. It's again a slow moving, mellow tune to begin with as cello comes in around 2 minutes.The tempo does pick up 5 1/2 minutes in and it sounds great. "Scatter" is more uptempo with distorted guitar. It does settle a little before a chaotic ending.

A good debut from this band and for me a solid 3 stars.