FREQUENCY RHYTHM DISTORTION DELAY

This is the band's sophomore album, meanwhile they are condensed to a trio, speaking about drummer Martin Law, Andy Hibberd on bass, as well as Andy Briston taking care of diverse guitars, keyboards and the vocals. Don't know how this will have an effect when they are playing live, as for the studio output it doesn't matter for good reason. The band rehearse and record down the road not far away from Syd Barrett's old place in Cambridge by the way. As for the spirtual dimension this holds good preconditions, or what? While moving even further from typical song structures on this occasion, the five tracks have evolved quite naturally from extended jams.

Here and now I have to regret that their debut has slipped off my radar more or less. Only could remember that I liked the song Death Cult Blues. Compared to this already highly appraised album there's more power and drive given on 'Frequency Rhythm Distortion Delay'. The distortion and drone element definitely has increased. Moreover, benefits from the repetition, the distinct affinity to krautrock, whilst stepping away from a genuine space rock approach a little. As for that, stylistically seen, some relations to Fred Laird's Earthling Society are coming up here overall. Anyway, good to know that they've avoided stillstand.

When starting to listen, tribal drums and fuzzy string instruments are evident. This gives a reliable clue what will follow over the course of little more than fourty minutes playing time. The album title perfectly fits as a matter of fact. Frequency is high by all means, the rhythm will force you to get up on your feet, (slightly) distorted and delayed guitars are a real trademark overall. And so here we have a thoroughly tied up package which is pleasantly contrasting from many other genre related albums. This grooves a lot, where Hey Droog! improves the main strategy with more strength, followed by the looping You're No Good provided with some saxophone tribute towards the end.

Predominantly being instrumental this is another excellent offer presented by the German Tonzonen Records label. It's a real benefit when an album conserves the niveau, holds the level of suspense over the course. Again, when considering Interstellar Fuzz Star, the title says it all. The fuzz party is on a thrilling process! Satori Disko finally appears to be my favourite share so far. There is a fantastic halting groove to notice, paired with some Middle East/Asian touch, just a really entertaining finish, you can't strike off. And so, due to such a quality album, I'm experiencing a rather promising entry into the year 2018, at least music-wise.

Distortion-happy psychedelia with a little punk Post Rock feel to it.

1. "Exit To The Death Lane (8:31) opens with a promising percussion track, then rolling bass note and more drums. Electric guitar enters with a couple repeated notes to add to the weave. Spacey vocals. A little RIDE/MY BLOODY VALENTINE-like sound and lead guitar work. (17/20)

2. "Hey Droog! (6:57) too much distortion for these ears. Distortion for distortion's sake? (12/15)

3. "You're No Good (6:43) So SWANS-like! Nice use of the sax in the last section. (9/10)

4. "Interstellar Fuzz Star (9:53) styling more within the Krautrock ilk. (15/20)

5. "Satori Disko (9:30) mind-numbingly monotonous pseudo-Indian rhythm track over which bubbling and beep effects are played. Too bad. The soloing guitar does get a little more interesting when it switches to wah-pedal in the fifth minute and then gets doubled-up in the eighth, but, otherwise, this does little for me. Not even the sax in the final 90 seconds can save it. (14/20)

Total time: 41:34

It saddens me to say it but this is a band who got me very excited with their 2016 self-titled debut album for which I'm feeling let down and disappointed with this, their sophomore effort. More vocals, less distortion; more compositional development (less monotony). Were the effect trance-inducing, I would say otherwise, but, other than the opening song, this music has trouble even engaging me much less producing a Kosmische-like trance effect.

3.5 stars; a passable album that begs personal opinion.