RELATIONS AT THE BORDERS BETWEEN

Long awaited ... since the songs were recorded more than one year ago basically ... the new BEYOND-O-MATIC album is out now. Peter Fuhry took all the time in the world to make it good - in order to append overdubs and to refine this stuff while editing and mixing in collaboration with George Dugan in his New York based I-Heights Studio. Yes, it was worth while - Trail Records can be proud to offer another exceptional album to us progressive rock fans, especially those who are from the psychedelic and space rock fold.

Here we have more extended songs compared to the predecessor 'Time To Get Up', released in 2010, on the same label by the way. So five out of seven are beyond the ten minute mark exactly. That means there's more room for jam and improv parts overall. The tunes predominantly come slow- respectively midtempo arranged. The album's unique flavour results from the hypnotic, halting behaviour - a special spaced out mood. And yes, Peter sings about mushrooms in between, but those of course sauteed in some butter and wine, right?

Apropos uniqueness - I should not forget to mention his high-pitched voice of course, partially polyphonic and experimentally modified - not for everyone's taste probably - a real sensation anyhow if you ask me. Besides him the band's steady core also features Stenzo on synths and drummer Anthony Koutsos. Almost without exception the bass comes from the electronic fold (at least according to the sleeve informations) - this is not what I would prefer, but on the other hand not a problem at all here either. In addition to that Stenzo serves some quirky snippets.and tons of well put spheric patterns.

Starting with the more compact tracks I would like to mention Tick Tock Rock first, which has the focus on vocals, as for that not a rock song as a matter of fact - a fine experiment anyhow. Wish yields a wonderful jamming part during the second half, including haunting guitar and nice flute respectively tribal percussion work. And then In Two OS ends with a brutal cut ... eeh! - SHIT! ... during the first listening session I really thought my CD was corrupted.

Never mind - BEYOND-O-MATIC readjust this shock immediately though with the following lovely (love? - generally I'm not good in exploring lyrics in English language) song - provided as a bittersweet symphony probably. This CD is brim-full of entertaining music, I really adore when bands extend their songs with some jam approach. 'Relations At The Borders Between' is something off the beaten path obviously, it's melodic and enjoyable anyhow - as for that the songwriting marks a perfect blend of experimentalism and accessibility - absolutely recommended!