AGED TO PERFECTION

Aged To Perfection ... wow, this sounds like an ambitious appeal. DARXTAR are underway for more than 20 years now and this one is their seventh effort in the meanwhile, the first though to be released on the famous nordic Transubstans/Record Heaven record label. I would say they've never been present on a very experimental path and always give a secure clue where the main influences are coming from. However, as for the compositional attempt they are on the peak here - this surely sounds matured compared to 'Sju' for example ... and - since dealing with the future of mankind - more serious overall.

Again a bunch of twittering as well as soaring synths are proper compagnions when exploring the whole album. They are implying some southern rock feel first, but then Mörkret 2 immediately afterwards reflects their experimental approach, it's a contrary spooky/spacey piece which leads into some Hawkwind adapted soul called Tired Nature - a centerpiece by all means, there's some exciting jamming appeal implemented. In A Time comes Pink Floyd reminiscent, the violin though serves a different flavour. Finally Fiska På Gräsmattan marks the album's highlight, a flamboyant epic, especially manifested during the second half while showcasing a floating jam including wonderful rhodes piano.

Artistic freedom - the DARXTAR crew have written, recorded, mixed and produced all by themselves. Well, that means, there's been no pressure, they took seven years to come with a new one. Thus you can hear ripe beauty, especially on the aforementioned two extended tracks. Besides some proper straigthforward rocking moments nice relaxed and melancholic parts are dominating. So please direct your attention on those subtle violin and saxophone contributions for example - excellent! An enjoyable album, easily reaching for the Hawkwind and Omnia Opera level - I strongly recommend to use headphones in order to pick up this ambience in full.