GALACTIC ZOO DOSSIER

4.5 stars.This is one of those albums that keeps me interested all the way through no matter how many times i've heard it.The first incarnation of Athur Brown's band had broken up and this is the first release of his next project under the KINGDOM COME moniker. So Vincent Crane has left prompting Arthur to purchase a VCS3 synth right away because Crane refused to play one in the earlier band.This is an adventerous album to say the least and that's what I love about it. Experimental, theatrical, spacey, mystical and heavy are all words that apply. When I listen to this record it makes perfect sense that Arthur would play in HAWKWIND later on in their live shows.The same spirit is found in the music of both of these bands. Many of the tracks here blend into one another.

"Internal Messanger" opens with people talking about religion as the music plays in the background. A heavy soundscape then takes over a minute in along with vocals. Some ripping guitar 4 minutes in as Arthur screams. "Space Plucks" has these laid back vocals and sound. It's a spacey mood to be sure. "Galactic Zoo" has these theatrical but almost spoken vocals that come in quickly.They become more passionate along with the music. It settles back. "Metal Monster" sounds amazing to start as we get this fantastic intrumental section.The vocals arrive almost spoken before a minute. It builds.

"Simple Man" calms right down fast as reserved vocals join in. It builds then settles back again 2 minutes in. Crazy synths cry out when the vocals stop but the vocals return later. "Night Of The Pigs" kicks in right away as the vocals are spoken loudly. Some dissonant guitar here too. "Sunrise" is one of my favourites and a top three.The organ floats in followed by fragile vocals. Piano and a beat then join in.This is great ! Guitar and bass join in then floating organ.The guitar sounds incredible after 5 minutes and check out the passion in Arthur's voice after 6 minutes.

"Trouble" is a short tune with strummed guitar, vocals and organ. Beautiful stuff. "Brains" is even shorter with vocals only and funny lyrics. "Medley" is jazzy to start with bass, piano and a beat.Theatrical vocals and spacey synths take over and then it kicks in after 2 minutes.We're rocking now ! A top three track right here. "Creep" has these spoken words with "out there" music. "Creation" becomes eerie and intense. "Gypsy Escape" is the other top three track for me. Just a killer intro here with organ as the guitar joins in. Check out the guitar after 1 1/2 minutes ! Keyboards are great too.Some excellent drums follow. It starts to settle some then it builds after 4 minutes. Organ leads 6 minutes in to the end. "No Time" ends the album. Keyboards kick in with bass,guitar and drums, vocals too. He's yelling the lyrics before 3 minutes.

I would consider this essential along with their "Journey" album that will follow.