LAMAGAIA

LAMAGAIA are a relatively new band out of Sweden who play with a heavy groove. You can call them Space Rockers or a Jam Band but either way I think you get the idea. A lot of repetitive rhythms on this album but this is excellent. They released an EP in 2015 but this is their first full length album clocking in at a tidy 35 plus minutes. We get two side long suites.

"Aurora" opens with distortion before spacey synths join in then drums just before a minute. That catchy groove then kicks in as we get this swirling repetitive mass. The groove recalls HAWKWIND but also many other Space Rock bands. Guitar comes in over top and we even get these distant sounding vocals after 3 minutes that are brief but they will return around 11 minutes. Some ripping guitar starting before 14 minutes then more vocals a minute later.

"Paronama Vju" is my favourite of the two. It starts off slow with experimental sounds. I think that's organ as we get this slow but repetitive melody. It slows down even more before 4 minutes and turns spacey. I like this. A change 5 minutes in with those PINK FLOYD-like sounds reminding me of "Run Like Hell" with the bass and drums especially as a groove kicks in. It's building 7 minutes in but very slowly. The guitar starts to make some noise over top. It's still building and I like that the guitar is more passionate 9 minutes in. Soon he's lighting it up, then we get some guest sax after 10 1/2 minutes and it's dissonant. Nice. The sax stops as heavy distorted sounds take over as the groove continues.

Nothing new here but this is very well done and some who are into this style of music have raved about this band. Love the album art which is a painting.