UNSTABLE MATTER

Another futuristic instrumental jazz/metal fusion masterwork from Québec superbassist Antione Fafard & Co. which is virtually beyond analysis proving that metal derived music can be worldly, wise and cultivated. A literal mass of insane harmonies, changes, bewildering drumming, slap bass, guitar shredding and basic no holds barred relentless freaking out which descends into a depth of chaos out that will leave any fusion fanatic frothing at the mouth. Underlying synthesized soundscapes sampled by Fafard abound and you never know what is going to happen in the next heartbeat. There are moments of respite from the fury on the more symphonic Art Pts I & II, Glososphere IV and the mathematical Singularity but this doesn`t mean you`re going to remember what planet you`re on once you indulge in this unmitigated sonic conflagration. Fafard ( who also plays some of the guitar parts on this one ) and his partners in crime, Martin Maheux on drums and the returning guitarist Marc Tremblay take absolutely no prisoners here and I can`t think of any band around that`s currently playing with this sort of individual intensity at such a high level technical brilliance. The last time I heard something like this was when I discovered The Inner Mounting Flame by The Mahavishnu Orchestra back in the early `70s.

A giant step from their previous Slow Gin CD which is just a mere tempest when compared to this maelstrom. I would sincerely recommend listening to Slow Gin prior to embarking on this menacing voyage through utter mayhem which will simply leave you gasping for breath when all the smoke clears. Mention also must be made of the trancendent artwork and booklet which is further testimony to the all out effort that Fafard put into this gemstone. Consumate perfection all round, your pets won`t even recognize you after this one.

Spaced Out forth album fom 2006 named Unstable matter released at same label Unicorn, is anothe r worthy album in jazz fusion field, but again only a good album towards great in places and nothing close to a masterpiece, at least for my ears. On this album Space Out raise a bit the bar in musical terms, is even more complex then the one reviewed by me earlier, is with a metallis ctouch here and there, and sometimes is something a la Planet X meets Dream Theater but without that stunning keybords playing, but with a good doze of great musicianship and fusion elements. Not better then Eponymus to me, not bad either, Spaced Out did another great album in their career, but I manage to give only 3 stars again, same proble here, the instrumental passages are sometimes to complex, and to repetative without keeping my ears and brain very entertaining. Here on this album they remain to a 3 line up , the keybordis from Eponymus album left the band, the instrument remaing for handleing to the main man of the band and the bass player Antoine Fafard. He did an exemplary parts again, showing that he is one of the best bass players from the new generation, with a great lines and inventive chops. There vis some excellent interplays between musicians, specially the ones between Fafard on bass and Martin Maheux on drums, excellent moments showing their true talent in this field.To me this album sounds like an organized chaos, a good release for sure but is not quite very enjoyble in places. Anyway 3 stars again for this album, a band that needs to be checked out. The cover art and the booklet is excellent. A good album for sure.

I ordered this album just after hearing part of it for the first time ever on the US internet radio broadcasting hosted by Tom Gagliardi. There is no room for progressive, fusion, etc newcomers in South America, invaded by low quality & bad taste production, what makes you stick to old things, sometimes unnecessarily. This is the case. Spaced out outcome "Unstable Matter", as a 2006 release, sounds classical & fresh at the same time. Very well played, creative, obviously influenced by many other fusion & prog bands but yet honest and genuine. Demands more than 1 listening session. Play it open minded. You'll like it.

Spaced Out are back with their fourth studio album, although these days it is mostly Antoine Fafard as not only does he write all of the material, provide bass and keyboards but on this album he has also provided guitar for the first time. He has been joined by drummer Martin Maheux and guitarist Mark Tremblay and the result is something that is a step change from what Space Out have been doing before. While the songs are often very much led by the bass there is now a higher keyboard content in the music, with a greater interaction between the players. While the band have previously been introducing some jazz into their work there has now been a move far more into 'straight' prog territory, but with a great deal of complexity.

This is an instrumental album, but it just doesn't seem like it as in many ways this is just an album without words ? there just isn't room within the musical structures for lyrics or voice. Easily their strongest and most complete work to date ? this is Space Out showing that instrumental progressive rock can be extremely dynamic and vital, who needs vocals? If you enjoy prog then you will get a lot out of this. For more details visit www.unicorndigital.com