THETA FIVE

Pretty tasty. I love such a so-called uncategorized polylogical soundworld. A British act ORCHESTRA OF THE UPPER ATMOSPHERE (OUA) have been active as sorta 'studio-oriented musical collective' for about a decade. This album "Theta Five" was released as their 'fifth' (as the title says) album of their 'Theta' concept in 2020, featuring 4 long tracks bejeweled with a wide range of sound essence. It makes sense they have not gigged outside the studio for a long while because of such a complicated melodic / rhythmic construction in this creation. In addition, their musica and cultural diversity should ring our bells apparently. The founder Martin (ARCHER) says OUA were founded for launching "improg", or music in the progressive tradition but with a high degree of improvisation ... that I interpret also as a methodological combination of theoretical authentic progressive rock and sincerely simplified improvisational music. Effective utilization of Juxtavoices, or their original polyphonic choir, quirky electronic sound seasoning, and vigorous strings and horns, has been improving their creativity firmly.

The first shot "Obsidian (Overture)" is kinda surrealistic departure. Cynical melodic instability and fascinating premature electronic beats - each component is pretty weird but the holistic sound visuality via our auditory sense is mysteriously consolidated, leaning towards "Trixie Stapelton 291 - Se Taire Pour Une Femme Trop Belle" or "Gestation Sonore". Fruity and juicy indeed. The last "Zyxomma" has kinky atmosphere to drive us crazy, especially with an uptempo percussive basis and a mystic agitated chorus. This confusing sound approach reminds us of the similarity to Magma or Zeuhlic followers but simultaneously is not simple nor easy at all. Their dissonant ambience drenched in electronic fantasy sounds like sparkling beverages to stimulate our tongue and heart. The construction is simplified but cannot be digested out so easily. "Changeling" involves dissected rhythmic catalysis veiled in laidback aroma and wondrous choir flavour. Such a complicated sound transition and development is just like great Champagne that modifies flavour and taste day by day in a complex manner. The first touch is massively dreamy. Their Juxtavoices are comfortable and addictive really. The middle part keeps brilliant ambience and synthesizer- based colourful texture deeply in the bottom. The latter has incredible spacey vibes like Space Rock ensembles. Overall, improvised exposures and refined environmental approaches are fantastic as if Hawkwind meet Wapassou. "Pillared Space" gets started with extensive electronic movements plus dramatic intriguing voices. This soundscape arouses our interest and curiosity to the unknown world. The beginning of a mystery trip for the upper dimension. Harmonization by saxophones is another musical crystal. Beautiful and hallucinogenic repetitions by synthesizers, or incredibly sensitive chorus in the middle phase are tremendous. The 42 minute-long track is a bit redundant and challenging but there are lots of impressive and charming points in the longest stuff.

They could be called the unification of Krautrock and Avantgarde / Zeuhl. What a brilliance really.