TAMBOURINE FREAK MACHINE

My first review of a Danish band and a nice surprise. Take the Amon Duul's poor debut. Extract the few good things from that album, add some inventive and a good melodic line eclipsed by the quirky keyboard's background.

There's something that makes me think to the Japaneses Karuna Khyal, even if not so scary as them. At least in the first track, maybe because they are geographically close, I see some contact points with the dutch 35007 and, please don't think I'm mad, some Ayreon in the singing. The last minutes of The River fade into Sunrise. Strange electronic sounds and the acoustic guitar still remind to Amon Duul but it goes into rock after one minute. It's like we are back in 1970.

"Masters of War" is a Dylan's cover that enhances the sensation of being in 1970 with 12- strings guitar and tablas. A very good cover. I've found myself thinking to how this song could sound if arranged by Metallica.

"The freedom seed" is the longest track. It opens very floydian with an organ playing a major chord (or without the 3rd note so it sounds like major) and ummagumma like sounds. Bass and percussion remind to "Let there be more light", then the organ plays a background eastern-flavoured melody like Rick Wright was used to do. The singing gives it a clue of Krautrock. The fact that the basic chord is major transmits a positive sensation even in the most chaotic parts. I think it represents a "good trip". A rapid glance to the Nirvana. This is what I mean for psychedelic music.

It's followed by a dark filler: "Rocco's revenge". Just one minute and half of darkness that reminds to "Tsunami" of 35007.

The closing track, "Dreamweaver 2" is an electronic track again in the mood of 35007. Not bad but not an highlight.

This album is very promising. Not enough to be rated 4 stars, but an excellent addition to any psychedelic/space rock collection.