Synaptik ‎– The Mechanisms of Consequence. 2014 England

Wow. Talk about never say die! This is the 3rd iteration of the Inner Sanctum/Fifth Season technical metal genealogy and comes 17 years after their last studio album. What we have here is basically what would constitute the 3rd Watchtower album (Alan Tecchio even guests on vocals!) but with those irresistible blazing Mekong Delta riffs propelling it all forward in an exciting way. This is technical thrash at its best. Melodic vocals, crushing riffs, mathematical impossibilities. Yee-haw!

Ownership: CD: 2014 Rebel Tune

3/28/15 (new entry)

Herba d'Hameli - Interiors. 2015 Spain

Three years later and we now have Herba d'Hameli's 6th album, and the 3rd we've heard. First thing we notice: Welcome back the flute! And along with the new flautist comes a new vocalist in tow, who brings with him the virility of a classic 70s Italian progressive rock singer. But still sung in wonderful Catalan, giving it that distinct regional quality. The music continues along the path of its predecessors, and is a wonderful example of that late 1970s symphonic progressive sound as found in Spain, France, and Quebec during that era. One can also hear the sounds of Kenso II coming through, the Japanese band themselves being astute students of this most wonderful subgenre. Hearing this album is like visiting the group in winter at a local taverna with a fine bottle of wine, excellent food, a roaring fire, and genuine camaraderie. That is to say the music is familiar, comfortable, and very much welcome. An old friend we hope we will hear from soon again.

Ownership: CD: 2015 private

3/27/15 (new entry)

La Coscienza di Zeno - La Notte Anche Di Giorno. 2015 Italy

Given La Coscienza di Zeno's (CdZ) immense potential, I went forward with their 3rd release La Notte Anche di Giorno sound unheard. Or as we collectors like to say "auto buy". And the result? Well, unfortunately, this band continues to sit on that cusp between very good and excellent - and this time I rounded down instead of up. On the plus side, they did add a violinist full time which adds much to the melody and atmosphere department. Alessio Calandriello continues to belt it out with the best of them, and his voice is truly something to behold. I'll also give them points for supplying more textures and color while he sings, rather than sit back and be content with a simple rhythm. All this sounds like a distinct improvement on Sensitivita. And it is, so what exactly is the issue here? The songwriting. CdZ have this nagging desire to paint with broad strokes when delicate intricacies are needed. There are two long suites this time. The opener is Giovane Figlia, and I was at first quite disappointed in the direction, though I was stricken by the melody. With CdZ, I get a sense of commercial styled pop music at times when the band goes for these simpler structures. Then came part 3: Libero Pensatore, and suddenly I was mesmerized, proving to me that CdZ really are force to be reckoned with. From there through the remainder of the suite, I was captivated with the brilliance of Domenico Ingenito's violin, Calandriello's voice, and the analog/digital keyboards/piano of Luca Scherani. To me, it sounded like the very best of Sithonia (a UTR favorite) updated for 2015 (or 1973 lol). The melody line is sublime, and no one can sing it better. Going into suite number two, I was convinced this would be CdZ's finest album. But I was let down, and the return of the broader - almost Pink Floyd like - soundscapes and slow pompousness returned. The overall effect is maudlin, not joyous, or even introspective. It's not the right sound for the band in my estimation. In reading other reviews, I fear that I'm in the minority here. Let me be absolutely clear though: I like this band and I like this album. But I know they can do better (at least for my tastes, so take that for whatever it's worth). The beauty of progressive rock is that it can be played many times over and new results will emerge. For better or worse. 

Former ownership: CD: 2015 Fading. Tri-fold digipak

3/27/15 (first listen / review / new entry); 2/18/24

Reggie Lucas - Survival Themes. 1976 USA

Well... now. I think we have something here, don't we? I never heard of Reggie Lucas prior, but seeing he's the guitarist in the great Philly based disco/funk ensemble MSFB, that already brings a smile to my face (not to mention a session guitarist for a slew of big names including Miles Davis). I hadn't run into his Inner City LP after all these years of crate digging, though I probably just passed right over it without giving it a second thought. Don't make that same mistake now, folks. I went ahead and forked over for the Japanese CD sound unheard based on a reliable tip from Gnosis Mike, and it proved to be money. 'Slewfoot' is a foot stompin' Funkadelic like psych rock groover, with plenty of Lucas' wonderful guitar along with horn accompaniment and Clavinet. 'Tender Years' is the only "period" piece here, a sunny and tropical romantic 70s cruise ship dinner number that gets all parties at the table in the right mood. And probably was the "bait song" that ultimately maddened those looking for similar type sound. Lucas must have been bored out of his mind by now, as he moved right along with a fusion psych piece in 'Barefoot Song', that features plenty of melodic interplay amongst the psych guitar madness. And this leads us to the side long title track, that is at once experimental, as well as off the rails insane. Hand percussion and heavily phased guitar define this most wacky composition from this most unlikely source. The final 8 minutes actually reminds me of the eerily and similarly titled Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush live piece 'Electric Reflections of War'. Given that both pieces were released at the same time in the US (though Lucas' album was originally released in Japan in 1976, hence the CD release from there...) makes it that much more intriguing. It's just the kind of payoff track I look for to ultimately be enshrined into the Wonderful Freaky Underground of albums. This album has zero commercial potential and makes you wonder what on Earth was Lucas thinking. Well he wasn't... Thinking that is... Just awesome.

Personal collection
CD: 2015 East Wind (Japan)

Unusual in that the original version is from Japan, and wasn't licensed to Lewis' native USA until two years later. Inner City must have had a bout of madness to even bother issuing this title - at least from a financial perspective. As such, original LP copies are obscure, though can be found easily as I write this. Both CD reissues are from the original parent label. I didn't know about the 2002 mini-LP until I saw it in Discogs. I'm guessing it was quite rare until the new pressing came along this year. And it's in a standard jewel case, which is not the norm anymore for Japan. Because of this, the price is very reasonable and I suggest you pounce on this title soon before it too becomes rare.

Maximum Indifference. 1996 USA-California

For their debut Maximum Indifference provides us, in effect, an instrumental version of early 80s Rush. Take out the pop elements and vocals, and focus on Rush's tremendous technical music acumen, and you'll have a good idea what this guitar based trio (with synthesizers) sounds like. For whatever reason, you're likely to read this to be a jazz fusion album. This is an album based in rock, not jazz. These are rock guys, putting out an instrumental tech metal album - without the metal of course. And given this musical outlook, post rock is a good secondary genre for the band. In the 70s and 80's we'd have called this symphonic fusion, a genre tag that has gone extinct I'm afraid. And it's one of my favorite genres. Overall an excellent album, and one I have no intention of parting with. It has aged very well, and I purchased mine not long after release date.

Ownership: CD: 1996 Botched. 

1996; 3/16/15 (new entry)

Ash Ra Tempel - Starring Rosi. 1973 Germany

Starring Rosi is Ash Ra Tempel's 5th album, and a departure from the intensity of the previous 3 studio albums, as well as the drugged out live Seven Up outing. Gottsching recruited Dieter Dierks (Scorpions, a million others) not only for his usual superb production ability, but also for bass guitar duty. As well, Kosmische Kourier / Wallenstein standby drummer Harald Grosskopf makes his presence felt (and would later join Manuel in his Ashra trio format of the late 70s and early 80s). As stated in the premise, the album's contents are completely different from the emotional workouts of their previous studio offerings. The mood is light and carefree. And it appears as if Manuel and Rosi are just having a fun date here (she does glow radiantly on the album cover, one must admit). The guitar style shown on the latter half of Join Inn's 'Freak N' Roll' makes its presence on 'Interplay of Forces' and 'Laughter Loving'. 'Schizo' recalls the intensity of the earlier albums, but is sadly all too short. Through it all we have Rosi's lovely spoken voice (in English verse the German of Join Inn) and a bit of ill-advised singing from Manuel (something he fortunately gave up quickly). Overall a very pleasant and unique album. If the proper expectations are set, you will likely be rewarded here.

Ownership: LP: 1973 Kosmische Musik. Single sleeve. Online acquisition (2000).

CD: 2010 Belle Antique (Japan). Papersleeve edition.

My story is similar to many of the Ash Ra Tempel albums I first purchased, and bought a new Pop Import copy at The Record Gallery in Dallas (summer 1985). 

1985; 2/9/01 (Gnosis); 12/29/11; 3/8/15 (new entry)

Ash Ra Tempel - Seven Up. 1973 Germany

During this period, Ash Ra Tempel were contributors to a kind of cosmic circus, touring around with others of a similar mindset concerning philosophical thought, lifestyles, and music. Seven Up, is the recorded document of this time while in Switzerland. The fame the album has achieved is due in part to two elements: (1) The involvement of drug culture icon Timothy Leary, and (2) the dropping of acid into the band members' 7-Up. While that might sound radical up front, Seven Up is quite tame compared to the first two masterpieces. The first side long montage is a medley of electronics and drugged reworks of pop hits from the 50's and 60's. Unique? Yes. Satisfying? Perhaps not. Side two is a rework of the spacey 'Suche and Liebe' from Schwingungen. This version, called 'Time' and which contains a slightly different opening, is quite good - but not overly moving - and you get the impression the band's ready for bed after partaking in too much alternative nutrition. A much better version of Seven Up can be found in the outtakes and studio reworks found on Gilles Zeitschiff's Sternenmadchen album.

Ownership: LP: 1973 Kosmische Musik. Gatefold. Acquired from a friend in a trade (1997). Comes with a small detailed insert. Die Kosmischen Kuriere was the original name for what became known as Kosmische Musik - and this is the debut album for the imprint. The first copy I bought was a new LP on Pop Import (using the alternate photo of Timothy Leary cover) from University Records in Lubbock while still in college (1985).

CD: 2010 Belle Antique (Japan). Papersleeve edition using the original cover art. Online acquisition (2015).

1985; 1995; 1997; 2/9/01 (Gnosis); 2011; 3/7/15 (new entry)

Payne's Gray - Kadath Decoded. 1995 Germany

One of the most oddball, out-of-nowhere, metal releases of all time. I bought this CD not long after it was released, and it remains one of the most intriguing metal albums in the collection. The group had a couple of demos in the early 90s, released the full length Kadath Decoded, and then disappeared into the ether without a trace. Most metal bands have "band trees" that would make an 1800s Kentucky hillbilly proud, with so much inbreeding among the groups, it seems they're all a big one-toothed family. But Payne's Gray were the ultimate outsiders. It appears only bassist Martin Mannhardt continued on, landing in the hard rock group Wicked Sensation. There is a Facebook page, but it's from a loyal fan trying to keep the name alive, not an official sanction.

The album itself is as strange as the group's isolation. It's not even until the 3rd track, almost 10 minutes in, does one begin to realize that it is a metal album at all. The compositions are certainly 90s styled "prog metal", but the instrumentation is far more diverse than the usual riffing and crunch on top of the chords emanating from that week's latest digital keyboard contraption - along with some eunuch screaming about something no one cares about. Nope - on Kadath Decoded there's flute, acoustic guitar, and real singing and lyrics as well. The music doesn't appear to be based in genre norms, and had it been released 20 years earlier, most assuredly would be under consideration for my "Wonderful Freaky Underground" list. There's no other album quite like this one, and I find it endearing because of it. That's not to say it's not recognizable - oh no not that - it's still very familiar. Like a skewed camera shot of your living room. They took their one crack at creating a unique vision of an album concept based on Lovecraft, and left something to ponder for years to come. A real head-scratcher for sure.

Ownership: CD: 1995 private. The poster cover doesn't fit in the jewel case, so you'll probably have to store it outside unless you want it shredded.

1997; 3/7/15 (new entry); 7/9/20

Neighb'rhood Childr'n - Long Years in Space. 1968 USA-Oregon; California

A well documented psych album, and I'm in the majority with those who say that Neighb'rhood Childr'n are a prime example of the entire American late 60s era. Originally from the southern Oregon town of Medford, the band migrated to San Francisco like many others to be a participant of the scene. While never hitting the big time, they were certainly one of its finest exports. The music is tight and compact, with memorable melodies, bumble bee fuzz, older stock organ, and male/female vocals. The songwriting is extraordinary, and Neighb'rhood Childr'n could have easily been one of the big names of the entire genre (and beyond). Essential for fans of late 60s American psych.

Ownership: CD: 1997 Sundazed. Jewel case purchased near the time of release. This reissue, known as Long Years in Space, requires you to pay attention here, because it's not "album as released" + bonus tracks, but rather the original is all jumbled up and one of those tracks were mixed in with the "bonus" tracks. Overall it's an excellent document, with great liner notes, and fascinating renditions of cover songs and other originals. 

LP: 1968 Acta. Single sleeve. Comes in a classic American psych era cover with a wonderful photo of the rolling hills of San Francisco and the Victorian housing with the classic bay windows. Acta was Dot Records' psychedelic era imprint and only lasted about 2 years. Purchased at a store in Laramie, Wyoming (2022). Got this at a steal of a price. Not the best condition, but certainly collectable. It goes straight to the wall of albums, near the top. Love the cover and I have no intention of getting rid of the CD, which remains the primary.

3/1/15 (new entry); 6/4/21; 9/20/22 (added LP)