OHMS

Obviously being relatives, Daniel Martin Diaz and Damian Diaz from Tucson, Arizona, are representing the TREES SPEAK core. They are showing a rather interesting concept, which is composed by a symbiosis of vintage and future-oriented. I mean, on the one hand, musically this is deeply influenced by the prior Krautrock phase. And then, the band name says it all by the way, the whole project is also referring to a somewhat (still?) fictional approach. Which is dealing with biotechnologies that will store processed data in plants. Hence, to be expected, the overall sound should fit this boundaries in some way or another, or what? They are delivering a collection of 17 mostly short downtempo sound sketches, snippets, running with a range from one to five minutes, which in total makes a vinyl length. And this, since having produced their debut in 2017, is a deliberated approach, comes as a distinct trademark.

How does it sound? 1960/70s rooted German crews meet modern neo krautrock followers - Neu!, Cluster, early Kraftwerk ... and Hedersleben, Lumerians, Electric Orange in the same way, to name some culled band references. TREES SPEAK are supported by several like-minded musicians here. Though unfortunately I could not yet reveal who plays which instrument. Acoustic drums, diverse guitars, bass, synthesizer, organ, Mellotron, saxophone repectively clarinet, that's what I could determine somehow, when it comes to the used stuff. The general flow, I'm sure there is a deeper sense intended. Hallucinative, looping impressions and hynotic motoric rhythms are merged. No random track order, I would say, most of them are cross-fading.

For example the triple Nitrous Cross, Shadow Circuit and Blame Shifter, this comes perfectly arranged, makes my day especially. I'm delighted, still. Simple however evocative sequencer lines and melancholic synth patterns give me the shivers. In its entirety this appears to be entertaining and brimful of ideas. Not a copy-cat case of the good old times. Yeah, rooted in the past, though equipped with contemporary sound quality and composing attitude. Just take the prominent and album closing Witch Wound including jazzy saxophone snippets, very much in the vein of neo krautrockers Electric Orange. This one appears on an extra bonus single, if you are deciding to purchase the vinyl version from the associated Soul Jazz Records label. This music grows on me with every listen. Definitely a soothing sound experience. 4.5 stars.