BLACKOUTS

ASHRA was really a solo project of Manuel Gottsching that he started after leaving ASHRA TEMPLE. He had done a solo album under his own name and this was his second ASHRA record. Just so you know, ASHRA was Manuel Gottsching all by himself playing guitar, keyboards and sequencer. He tells us in the liner notes that "This record should be heard comfortably". We know what you mean Manuel. The album cover is really freaky, with the reflection of a face on the guitar.

"77 Slightly Delayed" is a hypnotic, spacey soundscape with melodic guitar leading the way. "Midnight On Mars" is another spacey tune with such a good melody. "Don't Trust the Kids" has the sequencers up front leading the way instead of the guitar this time. "Blackouts" has some almost soaring guitar on it instead of the usual picking that he usually does.

"Shuttle Cock" is my favourite off of the album. It's a fast paced, catchy tune, with a wave of synths before 5 minutes."6Ths-Part I - IV" is the most ambitious track. Synths to open, as guitar comes in and we get this same melody until the synths start to build in sound after 6 minutes. It sounds like we are travelling through a solar storm, dodging debris as we go, until suddenly we are spinning out of control ! It's alright though as things calm down and we find ourselves drifting peacefully along once again. What a trip !

This is recommended those who are into ambient, spacey, instrumental music.