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Hypnodrone Ensemble - The Shape Of Space
Aidan Baker must be one of the most active people in the music industry. If he's not recording or touring with Nadja, Caudal or solo, he's seeking new ways to explore his drones and soundscapes. Take this new output for example. Two guitar players, a bassist and three, yes three, drummers creating two lengthy and epic pieces. The idea grew from several performances Aidan Baker and Thisquietarmy did together. It was, partially improvised, recorded at Golden Retriever Studios in Berlin.
The names on this album are not to be underestimated. Besides Baker we see Eric Quach (Thisquietarmy), Gareth Sweeney (Caudal), David Dunnett, Jeremie Mortier (Alice In The Cities) and Felipe Salazar. The multitude of drums gives the album some extra power, in the beginning even to the extent of overruling the infading drones. Yet, when the tempo goes up, the music turns into some highly atmospheric space rock which is pretty amazing.
The two pieces last about twenty minutes each but are divided in two parts each. Part two of the opening track is a lot slower, coming close to a blend of post rock and Bakers work with Nadja. Yet, both parts are part of one long piece so they seemlessly blend into one another. Each piece can stand perfectly well on its own but when you listen to the whole, the skillfully attuned magic of this album comes shining through.
Part 2, named 'Euclidian / Dodecahedral' starts out with a jazzy bassline and quicky becomes a solid post-rock track again. About halfway, the volume goes up again, bringing back that amazing space and kraut rock. Somehow, Hypnodone Ensemble makes all this sound so easy. You can almost hear the musicians having loads of fun with these elaborate jamsessions. Close your eyes and you can often see them smiling at each other, happy that this is turning out perfectly. The album even ends perfectly, noisy and heavy.
Personally, I think this is one of the best works of Aidan Baker's carreer. The constantly changing and altering soundscapes keep this record well-varied and extremely enjoyable. Plus, the calm and friendly atmosphere of this album keeps shining through, even in the heaviest passages. The Shape Of Space is a must for every drone, space rock and post-rock fan. The album is available on vinyl and CD, so get your hands on this jewel as quickly as you can...
Serge
Aidan Baker must be one of the most active people in the music industry. If he's not recording or touring with Nadja, Caudal or solo, he's seeking new ways to explore his drones and soundscapes. Take this new output for example. Two guitar players, a bassist and three, yes three, drummers creating two lengthy and epic pieces. The idea grew from several performances Aidan Baker and Thisquietarmy did together. It was, partially improvised, recorded at Golden Retriever Studios in Berlin.
The names on this album are not to be underestimated. Besides Baker we see Eric Quach (Thisquietarmy), Gareth Sweeney (Caudal), David Dunnett, Jeremie Mortier (Alice In The Cities) and Felipe Salazar. The multitude of drums gives the album some extra power, in the beginning even to the extent of overruling the infading drones. Yet, when the tempo goes up, the music turns into some highly atmospheric space rock which is pretty amazing.
The two pieces last about twenty minutes each but are divided in two parts each. Part two of the opening track is a lot slower, coming close to a blend of post rock and Bakers work with Nadja. Yet, both parts are part of one long piece so they seemlessly blend into one another. Each piece can stand perfectly well on its own but when you listen to the whole, the skillfully attuned magic of this album comes shining through.
Part 2, named 'Euclidian / Dodecahedral' starts out with a jazzy bassline and quicky becomes a solid post-rock track again. About halfway, the volume goes up again, bringing back that amazing space and kraut rock. Somehow, Hypnodone Ensemble makes all this sound so easy. You can almost hear the musicians having loads of fun with these elaborate jamsessions. Close your eyes and you can often see them smiling at each other, happy that this is turning out perfectly. The album even ends perfectly, noisy and heavy.
Personally, I think this is one of the best works of Aidan Baker's carreer. The constantly changing and altering soundscapes keep this record well-varied and extremely enjoyable. Plus, the calm and friendly atmosphere of this album keeps shining through, even in the heaviest passages. The Shape Of Space is a must for every drone, space rock and post-rock fan. The album is available on vinyl and CD, so get your hands on this jewel as quickly as you can...
Serge