DEAD MAN IN SPACE

With "Dead Man in Space" international improvisational space rock ensemble ORESUND SPACE COLLECTIVE takes their fans and listeners on a journey of a more contemplative and introverted nature. And while their journeys through the cosmos are still very much of the epic length variety, this time around the energetic, dramatic and intense parts of their cosmic universe isn't a part of the travel arrangements. Instead we're given a tranquil ride, where the main and arguably only dramatics occur in the title track, which is more of an intense story with added sound effects, telling the tale of, indeed, a Dead Man in Space.

Longtime fans and space cadets will find plenty to enjoy of course, but the former better be prepared for somewhat a change of territory on this occasion. But still one with interstellar qualities of course.

'Dead Man In Space' is only available on vinyl - another result of the Black Tornado sessions in 2008 where 'Slip Into Vortex' was born too. You can expect two long jams ... and the short title track which is more of an experimental excursion. So nine musicians have gathered here, coming together from diverse nordic psych/space bands to form the current project. I'm a fan (of the music and approach) and aware of nearly every official OSC album - which means already handicapped in some way if you will ... always searching for some new aspects respectively facets within their music. So - compared to a newbie - this surely is letting my expectations climb higher in the meanwhile.

The opener High Pilots is a nice looping improvisation in a rather strict sense - provided with an easygoing behaviour, at least when it comes to the first fifteen minutes. Some (really slight) problems concerning technical skills confirm that this are unpolished recordings. Why oh why??? - unfortunately the Hammond is not very present! Drums, guitars and synths are way more lively, albeit the bass is mostly repetitive, nearly phlegmatic. All in all this proves them a cool band in any case.

The following Space Jazz Jam 2.2 is another relaxed exemplar with a jazzy going, a grooving vibe, where saxophone player Anders has a share this time. The dramaturgy is more striking and so I would say this is the album's highlight and turns it into another production which basically can be recommended. Great sensitive psych guitar work on the whole. Finally the title track is based on synths and voice samples only - a weird thing really - probably suitable as a sound track for a special sci-fi movie section.

'Dead Man In Space' is another nice improv effort from this highly acclaimed space rockers - good, however not that challenging like some other productions. That said I for one would prefer 'The Black Tomato' or 'It's All About Delay' sessions, when it comes to the point to name some extraordinary ORESUND SPACE COLLECTIVE recommendations.

This is what a dead man in space can do!

Actually, these are nine live men on earth jamming, improvising and creating a trip to several places. What I love from Oresund Space Collective's music is how it introduces us into other worlds, one new song is one new world, and each and every of them has its own passages, its own lands in which we will imagine, discover, trip. I believe when music can produce these things on the listeners, then it simply succeeds, and that has happened with me.

This collective released in 2010 an album entitled "Dead Man in Space" which consists of four songs that make a total time of 63 minutes. As usual, they bomb us with some long jams that let us expand our minds and experience spacey trips. The best example is the first track which is a long 32-minute length song full of synthesizers, guitars and spacey nuances and atmospheres. Here, though we will find several minor changes, we will not find moments where the music dramatically falls or becomes anything new, no, here they create a very cool long jam that perfectly flows and does not bores at all.

In spite its long duration, one can easily listen to it without feeling the need of skipping it after some minutes, because it little by little traps you until you become part of it and cannot escape until the very end. There are always drums accompanying the prominent synthesizers, while the bass creates a sometimes soft, sometimes faster mood that is perfectly complemented by the almost non-stop guitar work. There are of course moments more interesting than others, but in general, this ambitious 32-minute song left me satisfied. In fact, I would honestly had enough with this long theme and another shorter one.

"Who tripped on the C(h)ord" is a ten-minute song with a more relaxed mood, perfect for the night or a tired day. The music once again flows without a problem, creating nice atmospheres, soft passages in which the listener can be doing any work needed, I mean, you can lie on your bed and rest, you can be working, doing homework, reading, etc. and the music will not harm you at all, on the other hand, it is your friend and works as a partner, it may be a positive distracter.

A new element is added in "Space Jam 2.2." where since the first seconds we can listen to a delicious rhythmic saxophone. Seemed that it would only appear in the introductory moments of the song, however it actually has a main role here, accompanying the "basic" instruments during the whole jam. Here we can also listen to an addictive and more participative bass, while as usual, the drums, synths and guitars create landscapes, spacey effects and a diversity of textures. A thing that makes this song different, is that here we can clearly appreciate different passages, some faster and more emotional than others, where the progression is evident, putting dynamism to the track, offering a quite interesting creation.

The last song truly contrasts with the previous, because it is only a three-minute improvisation that works as a closer, nothing more. Well, as you noticed I am like this album, which stands in the top (maybe second) of my OSC preferences. My final grade will be four stars.

Enjoy it!