DISSOLVED IN THE UNIVERSE

This vinyl production will provide four already known songs from their debut too, though played live on this occasion. That means delivered without any overdubs and showing some different arrangements. The tracks were recorded at a December 2014 day in Astrakhan, Russia, also known as the homebase of VESPERO. And in fact two members of this band are involved in MAAT LANDER, the Fedotov brothers Arkady and Ivan playing keyboards, bass, as well as drums. Finally the formation is completed due to Ilya Lipkin, a Moscow based guitarist and composer, first and foremost being related to the band THE RE-STONED beforehand.

Hence a rather experienced and competent trio is on the way here for sure. Since their studio album 'The Birth Of Maat's Galaxy' appeared to be a successful entree in 2015, it wasn't a really unforeseen consequence that they would offer some live recordings sooner or later. Now the German Clostridium Records label took over the deal. Well, speaking of missing any overdubs, when listening to Intro at least, you might be inclined to hear a multi-tracked guitar appearance. Just realized by Ilya due to some loops it seems. Additionally including some twittering synth contributions this is a very very emotional start. WOW!

Where the VESPERO sound is also embracing kraut, jazz and some avantgarde impressions, MAAT LANDER are way more focussed on a common space rock attitude. As for that - quite naturally - the drumming for example comes less sophisticated over the course. Anyhow, they are constantly switching between a heavy rocking and floating behaviour, the latter offered with a mesmerizing flow basically. Somewhat exemplary is the song To Johannes Kepler of course. For me this often matches the vision like crossing the endless areas offered in the Russian Federation, just like Siberia, or the Taiga in general.

The closing Space Scum is initiating like a punk tune somehow, yeah really, though soon evolves into an intriguing space jam, first and foremost the lively bass work is impressing me. So this is not ment to downplay Ilya Lipkin's effect, to make it clear, but for me 'Dissolved In The Universe' also comes as a new chapter of the VESPERO related realm in some way, always a pleasure to experience. Musically up to now I never ever was faced with a disappointment, whatever album might be chosen. Consequently this will make you a fan at some point, or what? I'm sure there will be offered more to explore from this space crew soon.