DZYAN

Dzyan's first is a slightly confusing mishmash of clashing ideas. The band seems unable to make up its mind between heavy rock, 60s pop, Canterbury, avant-garde, kraut and jazz, often even within the course of just one songs. I'd say I'm quite an eclectic person and I can appreciate certain parts here but as a whole this doesn't make any sense.

There are parts that work quite well, such as the jazz-rock improvisation in the second half of "Emptiness". The first part of the track is fairly dated heavy 60s rock. Also the smooth hippie ballad "The Bud Awakes" refers back to the 60s. Nice one. "The Wisdom" returns to the jazz-rock experimentation of the first track. With the ethnic percussion and the psychedelic guitar touches, Dzyan reveal their future direction here. The odd vocals that come in half-way might be an acquired taste, allthough it's nothing that fans of Gong should be afraid of. Also the title of the 4th track ("Fohat's Work") and the weird space-jazz of "Dragonsong" show the Gong inspiration. The closing "Back To Earth" is more kraut-y, with a repetitive groove and strangely distorted guitar soloing.

Of all three albums from Dzyan, this is definitely one to approach with care, as it will surely test every inch of your comfort zone. Recommended for fans of Gong's quirkier moments.