SKY IS THE LIMIT

Hipgnosis from Krakow, Poland, were born in 2004 with a 6-piece line-up full of weird pseudonyms: SsaweQ on drums, electronics and keyboards, KuL is the female singer, GoDDarD on guitar/synths, PitU on bass/vocals, ThUg on keyboards and GooLaky on guitars.They recorded their debut ''Sky Is the Limit'' between March and September 05' at Studios FPGS and Hipgnosis-Art Studio.The album was released in 2006 in a collaboration between their own label Studio Hipgnosis-Art and Music Corner Records.

Being fans of the analog Space Rock period, Hipgnosis didn't want their debut to exceed the 41-min. mark as a tribute sign to the vinyl period.However their sound is very modern, while the album was only released in CD format.The style is trippy Space/Electronic Rock full of electronics, samplers and ethereal female vocals, having the basic problem of all these records, which is the repetitive grooves and some hypnotic segments.The tracks are quite long with few variations, the atmosphere on the other hand is quite impressive, filled with spacey textures.After the middle there is some strong presence of powerful electric guitars in an overall very Metal-like delivery and the sound becomes more bombastic and haunting, even more with the presence of distorted male voices.''Ummadellic'' is propably the most vintage- sounding track.It finally shows the love of the group for old-styled Space Rock, featuring the constant offering of a dramatic organ sound next to the powerful grooves and the futuristic electronics.

I do not see much of a great record here.But I definitely see lots of potential.With some care and a more flexible sound Hipgnosis can come up with a trully innovative release and who knows, sky maybe the only limit for the group.As for this album, this could be a good listening fro Space Rock and Electronic Rock freaks in the vein of PINK FLOYD or TANGERINE DREAM...2.5 stars.