THE ROADMAP IN YOUR HEAD

This is another collaboration of US outfit SPIRITS BURNING and French crew CLEARLIGHT, their second official release in this regard, published in 2016 on Gonzo Multimedia. Although both aren't real bands as such anymore in these days, the leaders Don Falcone and Cyrille Verdeaux are carrying forward the label. And the spirit anyway. The modus operandi however has eminently changed during recent decades. Towards a vivid exchange of home recorded music chunks. Since then, for what I know, it was Don's task more or less to pull the strings, and to merge the results to something entertaining. Or with other words: he has beared the roadmap in his head. Definitely successful when looking back to recent SPIRITS BURNING efforts.

This does not run by itself. Of course such an approach offers the benefit of taking a great bunch of other musicians from all over the world in charge. But you also may run into some danger, to overproduce for example, or to contribute something single-tracked, not homogeneously. Not the case here, as well as concerning the past. The compositional aspect is beneficially accomplished. While looking back to a close connection with Daevid Allen, Falcone's roots are in space rock predominantly, Verdeaux's preference runs on symphonic, folk and jazz. This altogether means covering a wide range of styles overall. With the taste on a somewhat jazz infected mellow space rock. And, not a surprise really, this is including many Gong and Hawkwind related musicians again.

Daevid Allen unfortunately left us in Spring 2015, so much the more it's quite magic, exceptional, that he's still involved here in parts. And so immediately the opener and title track shows some typical sensitive guitar playing. From now on you'll be faced with a crossover of styles, instruments and impressions, constantly shifting, which guarantees an entertaining affair. A charming flow overall, based on accessible compositions. Less ups and downs, it's provided with a somewhat chill out character predominantly. As for that definitely also suitable for background listing when sitting in a pub or something like that. Vocals are rarely used, brass instruments more often, partially EWI synth based, contributed by Bridget Wishart.

When looking into some excerpts Sun Sculptor & The Electrobilities comes totally synthesizer drenched, where the mellow Birth Of Belief features sparkling piano lines close to the band Quarkspace around Paul Williams in style. You will also get acquainted with ambient, folk, indo raga and dub impressions throughout. The silky Isolation In 10 80 somehow reminds me of Marianne Faithfull. No, it's Bridget of course, yeah! Then Fuel For Gods sees Fabio Golfetti excellently substituting Daevid Allen. Really nice album, also, in patches at least, a tribute to this grand musician. Will trap after some time in one way or another, 3.5 stars.

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