Progarchives, the progressive rock ultimate discography
Alameda 5 - Eurodrome CD (album) cover

EURODROME

Alameda 5

 

Psychedelic/Space Rock

3.88 | 5 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

TCat
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator / Retired Admin
4 stars 'Alameda' is a band that might be a little tough to keep track of, especially when it comes to their name. The band's name is not to be confused with another band of the same name from Spain. This Alameda is from Poland, and their name usually has a number next to it. This incarnation of the band that this review is for is 'Alameda 5' and they are a psychedelic/space rock band. But they have released albums under 'Alameda 3', which is more Eclectic and Avant-Garde, and 'Alameda 4', which is more of a live/rehearsal and straightforward band, each incarnation is a bit different from the others.

The second full length studio album released as 'Alameda 5' is called 'Eurodrome' and was released on March 15, 2019. There are 10 tracks on this album, the longest of which is just over 6 minutes, and the total run time is a little over 50 minutes. The line up consists of Jacek Buhl on drums and percussion, Rafal Iwanski on percussion, Lukasz Jedrzejczak on organ, synths and vocals, Mkolaj Zielinski on bass, and Jakub Ziolek on guitar, synths, and vocals.

'Blitz-Krieg-Spiel' is a track made up mostly of effects and noises that is quite dark and eerie sounding and backed with low synths. 'Embryon' begins with a lot of percussion and spoken vocals, possibly from interviews that the band conducted and took their voice samples from. Soon, low bass and synth drones come in while the percussion continues and the voice stops. Noises and effects surround the drones. During the last minute, the drones stop and a looser more melodic style finishes off the track. 'CDTE' starts with fast electronic percussion. Now, sung vocals start with some very interesting harmonies, and when the singing stops, tonal percussion gets added into the mix and this continues to swirl around in a quick tempo. Electronic sounds and other layers get added in and then vocals start again invoking a sound between psychedelic and shoegaze at this point. Some organized chaos between the instruments play until the end.

'Tubarao' begins with a bass pattern, joined by percussion, warbling sounds and interesting effects. A guitar picks up a fuzzy improvisational melody, a nice fusion of electronics, an almost world music vibe and psychedelic style melodies. I really like this one. 'Cassius' begins with fast moving percussion and guitar. A short vocal section featuring processed vocals sing against the fast percussion. The words 'moon over rooftops' gets repeated several times with strange layered harmonies and after awhile is replaced by possibly another field interview. Things get a bit harsher, but finally resolve themselves when the spoken word stops and the fast looping percussion and other layers continue to play. 'Roam the Bottom' starts with a deep electronic and funky loop. Clanging percussion play while vocals sing a melody. After 2 minutes, the percussion breaks down and then builds up again this time with a space rock vibe as the vocals return for a 2nd go round.

'Birds of Passage' begins with the heavy percussion driven sound that seems to be the main force behind this interesting version of psychedelic music, and the vocals are thick with an echo effect on this track. That world vibe is evident on this track again. Later, another vocal section starts with a more monotone sound. All the while, the hazy wall of heavy percussion sound continues, almost creating a loose drone from all of the layers. 'Dr Narco' finally gives the listener a break from the layers of percussion as it moves slowly and almost peacefully, but there is still an undercurrent of uneasiness in the music. Even with the more pensive sound, there are still sudden crescendos of harshness that disappear quickly. A short spoken vocal finally ushers in the hand drums and a mid Eastern inspired melody plays and soon layers of melodies and effects come and go. The track has that automated feel and the guitars have a twangy feel to them. There is a sound reminiscent of King Crimson's 'Discipline' era with the fast moving guitar loops. 'Dias Melhores' starts with experimental and low electronic tones and spoken word vocals that have been processed with effects. Intensity builds against strange effects and instrumental sounds, then out of nowhere, hazy vocals start. The track continues with the thick layers swirling around each other. 'Mental Militia' features spacey guitar and more spoken vocals surrounded by electronic effects. A beat finally catches hold as the guitar drones out spacey vibes and a funky bass starts to follow the percussion. The name of the track is appropriate because it turns into a psychedelic march and the layers get thicker and thicker as it goes on.

This album is very percussion driven, some of it is organic and some is electronic. There is constantly a psychedelic edge to it all and everything is always buried by heavy effects and fuzzy undertones. I find it interesting and am actually drawn to the use of a lot of percussion while remaining psychedelic and sometimes almost trance inducing, but none of the tracks really wear out their welcome because they stay around the 5 minute mark for the most part. One thing you will not find so much here are the long, drawn out space instrumentals driven by guitars or synths, but you will find, as I said, music that is driven more by percussion and electronic effects. Overall, you get a really unique sound that always seems to have that psychedelic haze over the top of it, and one that you can get hooked on with repeated listening.

TCat | 4/5 |

MEMBERS LOGIN ZONE

As a registered member (register here if not), you can post rating/reviews (& edit later), comments reviews and submit new albums.

You are not logged, please complete authentication before continuing (use forum credentials).

Forum user
Forum password

Share this ALAMEDA 5 review

Social review comments () BETA







Review related links

Copyright Prog Archives, All rights reserved. | Legal Notice | Privacy Policy | Advertise | RSS + syndications

Other sites in the MAC network: JazzMusicArchives.com — jazz music reviews and archives | MetalMusicArchives.com — metal music reviews and archives

Donate monthly and keep PA fast-loading and ad-free forever.