CAPTAIN BEYOND

Riff oriented, up-tempo, slightly murky and gritty hard 'n' heavy music like this with infectious grooves and a bluesy backbone isn't hard to find or imagine. And that's always a bit of a let down when listening to Captain Beyond's debut. You've heard things like this before. In itself that's not a bad thing, but Captain Beyond never really breaks free from the mould enough to make this a memorable disc.

Sure, the power, directness and instrumental aggression here stand out and feel like refreshing kicks in the butt in comparison to similar acts of the time. Bursting with energy, the band revels in punchy, bouncy riff fests and quick, short shifts in direction in melody or rhythm. With a decently engaging rhythm section and the visceral muscle to back it all up, the menacing rumble almost reaches the level of Black Sabbath now and then. Overall, it's a brighter, friskier and livelier journey. The music never stands still, with little room for breathers among the thirteen tracks. But yes, there's still that tendency to revert back to type in bar room brawl-ish, bluesy, hard rock clichés now and then. Disappointing. The best bits tend to be fast and direct barrages of nastier unpredictable riffs or slightly jazzy, busy sections dominated by repetitive and fiery guitar motifs and an enticingly spontaneous rhythmic framework. And while youthful, sprightly hard rock energy dominates, there are a few nice, but not spectacular, acoustic moments around and even touches of psychedelia and space rock to liven up the proceedings. However, most of the the bits that divert from the disciplined and tight rock onslaught are never really expanded or developed upon, serving as ornament rather than truly integrated bits. There is a slight haziness and will to build from repetition that I rather like. A spacier, more textured and dynamic side of the band that never really is brought to the front. In general it is killed off by the restless nature and relentless drive forwards before anything nuanced, layered or dynamic is allowed to take place.

You may love this album for its compact, energetic vitality, but my enjoyment is mired by it. Focus, drive and compact energy might leave you breathless for a while, but after a while Captain Beyond feels rather flat and limited by it. Things just flutter by in quick succession, eagerly hoping you'll enjoy the presentation more than the content.

Initially dazzling, occasionally a blast, regularly a bit of a disappointment.

2 stars.

//LinusW

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