Mooch Dr Silbury's Liquid Brainstem Band DCDR / 17 Tracks / 128.59 mins Play Sample:   56K Dialup   Broadband Download Sample:   500K   1.5Mb (Excerpt from track(s) 'Silver Violet Flame')

This is probably the most Space Rock orientated album we have ever reviewed within the pages of SMD. Must admit that this isn't a particular area of expertise for me but I will give it a go anyway as I did enjoy much of the album. It is quite a while (OK, probably twenty years!) since I seriously listened to this sort of stuff and it reminded me a little of Gong, and even maybe of Hawkwind but going off in all sorts of other directions as well. The opener 'Eight Spokes' is probably my favourite track on the album, echoing chimes giving way to a steady groove and the sort of psychedelic lead line that pretty much sums up the almost hallucinogenic feel to much of the album. A rip-roaring electric guitar soars over the top injecting loads of excitement. Echoing tripped out vocals, kick ass rhythm and cosmic guitar riffs swirl around on 'Cwmyoy Dub' then further dreamy echoing chimes mix with playful guitar on 'Jupiter Event' which features a vocal that reminded me of David Bowie! Not really my sort of thing I'm afraid. Things get a little more to my liking as quite heavy guitar and high register synth take turns at lead duties- real crazed acid tinged stuff! We then go through manic screaming and echoing effects before returning to a vocal lead similar to earlier in the track. 'Saz Interval' is a short abstract track full of electronic effects, gongs and cosmic shimmers. Back to a more conventional psychedelic rock track for 'Anderson Council'. This time I quite liked the vocal colouring as it brought up a good fun feel. Things then change abruptly with more crazed electronics, like some bad trip, before returning to a conventionalish drums / guitar finish. 'The Falcon' returns us to dreamy realms. A silken sequence strikes up for 'Silver Violet Flame'. A laidback lead line joins it then a second bass sequence falls into formation. Loved the mystical vocals.

The opening two tracks from the Second Disc 'Sandman' and 'Cycad' are (especially in the vocal department) so far away from what I would usually listen to that it isn't really fair for me to comment on, though instrumentally at least the second of these did have some very appealing guitar work. A collage of excellent cosmic electronic effects get 'Damien's Drums' underway but then we get a hilarious (oh I do hope it was not intended to be taken seriously!) narrative about pixies getting Damien to try something different with his drums! It then gets all rather crazed, in just the way I like it. 'Outback Event' mixes lovely sequences with tinkling guitar and didgeridoo. It's all rather shimmering and relaxed. 'Piano Interval' tells you all you really need to know in the title. 'Houri' uses a deep metallic drone as backing for an infectious groove which comes to an abrupt halt, to be replaced by tinkling electronics then trippy spoken vocals only for things to become more upbeat to finish. The Gulhane Gardens' is another highlight of the album with some excellent sequences mixed with lovely little melodic motifs and scything electronic effects as well as some very effective flute. The electric guitar and bass playing are pretty damned fine as well! It's certainly moody and mystical but also carries quite a punch- loved it. The three-part 'The Aliens Trilogy' brings the album to a close. Starting with the very melodic and rather whimsical 'Aliens' Song' my first impressions were very positive. This could hardly be called a demanding listen but all very pleasant in the sort of way that leaves a contented smile on the face. A heavy beat and clanging metallic percussion propel the curiously titled 'Eat, Eat, Eat' into life. Vocoded vocals increase a feeling of unease. 'The Sound of Emptiness' rounds things off taking us to a tropical jungle with the chirpings of insects and strange birds. Things get increasingly ethereal and peaceful. I would say that I liked about two thirds of this album, those who are fans of Space Rock would probably like more of it but whatever, a double album at this price is surely worth a go. (DL)

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