THE DRIFTER

Formed back in 1991 THE SPACIOUS MIND undoubtedly has become an important psychedelic space rock outfit with major influence in Sweden respectively Europe moreover. I'm not sure if they are still active, since their latest regular album appeared in 2014. Anyway, here we have a compilation, released by the acclaimed Trail Records label. Based in New York the company is known for delivering high quality albums again and again. All the songs have been already released around the beginning of this century beforehand, mostly on promos or samplers. The label's trademark however is that all material they receive will be carefully re-mastered in their own studio. As for that a sonic experience is guaranteed per se.

It's not known who exactly was involved on the particular songs. You won't run into surprises though I'm sure, as the core quintet remained stable over the years. This will include Henrik Oja, Thomas Brännström and Niklas Viklund (guitars, bass), Jens Unosson (keys, electronics), as well as David Johansson (drums). More than 60 minutes of mellow space rock are given, featuring a great amount of dreamy relaxed moments overall, just in opposite to a more heavy loaded Hawkwind drive for example. So this is a nice selection mirroring very inspired trips, something suitable for a free-flowing laid back listening session most likely.

Euphoria, Euphoria makes my day especially, the soaring guitars are impressive, the organ is backing the flow in an amazing manner. Concerning the title track you may be inclined to start a competition, as there is a studio and live version given. I'm going for the latter, although being shorter, the driving and mesmerizing groove, the guitars are acting absolutely wonderful. In the same way regarding the following Pink Floyd inspired Spirit Roots. When it goes for some future band activity, according to the cover picture, there might be some light after the tunnel? Come what may, 'The Drifter' is a highly recommended new entry to THE SPACIOUS MIND realm.

Swedish space rock band THE SPACOIUS MIND have been an ongoing venture for more than a quarter of a century, starting out in 1991 and staying very active for the next 15 years or so. The last decade have seen band activities fade a bit, but as far as I know the band are still existing, albeit now in a more sleepy phase. "The Drifter" compiles material by the band that have become difficult to track down these days, and was released through US label Trail Records in the fall of 2018.

Trail Records have developed a good reputation over the years to seek out and find artists that for some reason or other isn't as well known as they deserve to be, and in The Spacious Mind they have added one more jewel to their roster. Fans of progressive and psychedelic rock are obviously all too aware of this, as I understand that the first print of this CD sold out fairly quickly. A second run has been done though, so there is still a chance for fans of this kind of music to get hold of this CD. Knowing the market for physical CDs these days, I rather suspect that a third run will not happen though, so those who know and know their space rock will have to make a relatively quick decision on whether or not this is a CD they should get hold of. For my sake I'd say that this is a CD that is pretty high up on a must buy list for fans of this kind of music.