Architectural Metaphor - Odysseum Galacti. 1988 / 1994 USA-Massachusetts

The early 90s were an exciting time for us fans of unhinged space rock. After years of dormancy, the style was beginning a new renaissance, and bands were coming from all corners of the Earth to display their unique talents. Enter Boston's Architectural Metaphor, a band that continues to operate today in one form or fashion.

I had purchased this CD not long after it first became available, on the promises of a modern Ash Ra Tempel and the like. As was often the case back then, disappointment ensued, as this is quite a ways from the original cosmic Krautrock sound. Dutifully I picked up their second album Creature of the Velvet Void some three years later, and filed both away. At some point not long after that, while doing some weeding out of the collection, Odysseum Galacti came up as a candidate, listened - and decided to sell. Gone. And that was my Architectural Metaphor story...

...Until three years ago when the aforementioned Creature of the Velvet Void was rediscovered hiding deep in my collection. I was mightily impressed, and grateful I'd kept it (notes under that entry). In addition I re-added the band to my ever growing want list for the off chance a bargain copy of any of their other CDs would waft under my nose. And that day has come.

So what of Odysseum Galacti and did I let a monstrously great album slip through my fingers in a fit of housekeeping? Well... no. I can understand why I let this one fly. However, my lower rating was considerably off, probably a rationalization of my actions back then. So let's get to the music here (that would be good of you, Genius Hans). The majority of the album was actually recorded in 1988. It's pretty sludgy stuff when one considers the fuzzy guitars and synthesizers and not-so-great production. Then there's the small matter that most of the percussion is of the drum-machine variety. Eck. Still, not all is lost here, and some of these tracks jam rather nicely, especially the final two 'Anu' and 'We've Come For Your Children'. If looking for comparisons here, I'd say Milwaukee's F/i would be a good starting point. The best is saved for last though, as the two live tracks are both from 1994, and the pared down trio has improved leaps and bounds, and real drums are now in play. Deb Young is gaining confidence behind the kit, and her space whisperer voice is becoming more crucial to their sound. One can easily see why their sophomore effort was so much better. 

Ownership: CD: 1994 ArcMet. Jewel case. Booklet with recording details and photos.

1994 (first listen); 2/15/19 (review / new entry); 10/21/24