TIMELINE TRAVELLER

This album has a double life: it was the group's debut album when they were a trio, but as it gradually sold out, the group had grown as a quartet by including Steven Marx on sax and keys. By 2006, the group had progressed enough, that they were slightly hesitating whether top reissue the debut album in its original form (it didn't really represent who they had become five years later) or simply re-record it. They took the second option, not only changing the artwork (a much more fitting Puin Reis artwork, the original getting lost somewhere) to the album's name, but also adding the contributions of Steven Marx on that album, even though he wasn't part of the group back in 01. This means that Marx's contributions were simply added to the master tapes, therefore the group (the remaining trio) did not re-record the songs.

And a rather limited exercise this added contributions can be, especially on an album that the concerned musician did not see or help its birth. Yes, Hypnos started as a stoner rock with a slight touch of a jam band, but having good touches of Spin Doctors as well. So the opening title track is a dynamite and dynamic southern-fried boogie where all instruments sizzle along, with great interplay, in which the sax has a slight role. The following No Mustang is a slow downbeat ride for No Mustang where the bass holds the lead role. Somehow, the groups sounds a bit like Anekdoten, but the group pulls a real tour-de-fprce around itqs closing moments. Voodoo Dancer is again referring to Southern fried boogie rock, this time mixed with rather hard metal vocals, and just like its predecessor, it holds a little je-ne-sais-quoi of space rock ala Hawkwind with a dose of Spin Doctors. Neverending Enigma is a bit more of the same at least in its start, but slowly transforms into a deadly Anekdoten-sounding. The closing Waves On The Wind is another slow crescendo like only Hawkdoten could manage to do. Plenty of rocky moments for everyone, and the Mellotrons taking a discreet place into the set.

Having never heard the original album in its trio form, it(s rather difficult to say exactly how much was brought with Marx's additions, but nevertheless TT was most likely a very worthy record to start with, and this version makes it as good as the rest of their discography.

Hypnos 69 plays a rather energetic music. Not as wild as "Oceansize" on their debut but this is no spacey nor ambient stuff, that's for sure.

The title track is a great piece of dynamic music; almost heavy at times and definitely hypnotic (but with such a band name it is just normal, I guess)! A very pleasant musical moment. Not easily accessible probably. But after a few spins, you should enjoy this heavy prog song.

"N.O. Mustang" sounds more on the improvised side. Bass is extremely strong and guitar sometimes seem to come out of ancient times (the late sixties). Actually, this number is a trip back to some German releases of the mid seventies ("Eloy"). The rhythmic section is truly amazing here and it ensures a fantastic result.

"Voodoo Dancer" is a wild number. "Canned Heat" is the reference. A good rocking boogie, with some repetitive guitar parts, but again what is remarkable is the duo drams / bass. A solid foundation, by all means.

The longest number from this album (but there won't be any short ones), is the most complex of the whole. At times Crimsonian, at times fully metal oriented : it won't leave your mind at peace, that's a given fact. Some Oriental mood towards the end adds a fine touch to it.

If you like heavy (prog) music, this album might well suit your taste. But hold on tight (I did the same comment for "Oceansize" 's debut).

Most of the music of "Hypnos 69" is instrumental on this album. And it is very well so because Steve Houtmeyers (the vocalist but not only) while on duty is not convincing ("Like Waves On The Wind"). It's a pity because this is a mighty song as well. It ends up on a Porcupine Tree style of track and the last four minutes are extraordinary.

Three stars for the debut from this Belgian band which could feature more diversity but since we don't have many interesting ones, it is a pleasure to mention such a group as Hypnos 69 when possible.

I am really impressed with the great job from Tom Vanlaer on the bass throughout this album. Do try to listen to it and share your comments since there are only two reviews for this album (by two Belgian reviewers.).