Tanger – Ciudad. 2006. You can pretty much summarize all three works by Tanger as thus: Melody lines are driven by flute, the solos are handled by a psychedelic fuzz guitar sound, and the rhythm section is just inventive enough to keep interest in the composition. So basically, an updated version of the 1970s Chilean group Blops at the time of “Locomotora”. I like the ingredients, so I’m bound to like the dish.

Seamus - Zealotry Sterblichen Schizophrenia. 2002. One of the more unusual pieces to surface of late. Seamus are a new French group (though recordings date to 2002) influenced by the Teutonic side of the Zeuhl school. They have a sort of punk angst about them that recall the obscure Mexican 90’s group Vector Escoplo. For the few who know VE, I sense a wince, but fear not, as Seamus are not near as annoying as that bunch. Runaway Totem would be another obvious reference but not as slavish as that Italian collective. Seamus have carved a unique fresco in the Zeuhl landscape. I think Magma would be proud, if not a bit spooked that the family tree could spawn this. Try this one out if you lean in these directions.

Oresund Space Collective – s/t. 2006. I can’t seem to get enough of the Transubstans label, who are discovering new quality groups at an alarming rate. Oresund Space Collective are yet another Scandinavian space rock crew, who revel in the art of the groove and the jam, and eschew any kind of arty pretension. Large ensembles are the way to go when performing this kind of exploratory music, and OSC deliver all kinds of personnel and instrumentation. A true international bunch, in that their very name is the bridge between Denmark and Sweden (plus an American who has the good sense to live amongst the peaceful). This band has already coughed up a followup double CD + a 3rd is on the way. I can hardly wait.