HYPNOTIC UNDERWORLD

A tale of two albums? Don't judge it based on track 1! The long 4-part title track comprising the first chunk of the album is about 23 minutes of occasionally dissonant noise-scapes and droning play. To some this will be a deal breaker right off the bat, so it took some guts to open with that. If you like weird droning pieces with effects this will be right up your alley. If you hate that sort of thing just hit skip and the balance of the album moves to very different places indeed. Very rewarding places.

After this piece the album shifts to far more accessible space rock which utilizes vocals, rhythm section work, and plenty of odd little environmental sounds, instruments, embellishment. "Hazy Paradise" is perfectly named as that is where the melody and lush guitar work will bring you. "Kite" is a very nice piece with spoken word Japanese narration and bass. "Piper" is the most conventional track, be aware that if you listen to that streamed track here you are not getting a complete picture of this release. Some of the other songs are way more varied and adventurous. "Ganagmanag" reminds me of a long Third Ear Band jam that serves to bring some grounding to the wild palette of things going on here. "Feed" reminded me of pre-Dark Side Pink Floyd especially with the guitar work. "Holy High" has a spirited folksy feel to it with acoustic guitar and flute. Unlike so many albums today clocking in at over 70 minutes, Ghost actually makes use of the time to take you to several different landscapes. This is my first Ghost album, it won't be my last.

The fold-out artwork is spectacular and I'd hang it on my wall if not for the darn CD fold creases.

HU is a very interesting album for people with eclectic tastes dying for relief from what they play on a daily basis. It really grows on you. At first spin I couldn't wait to shut it off. Now I find it to be a definite keeper. If you are musically adventurous try this one out. 3.5 stars and climbing.