Electric Orange – Morbus. (2007 Germany). It wasn’t that long ago that I heard the expanded CD edition of “Platte”, but unfortunately I didn’t have an opportunity to pen anything down on it. So here I sit with “Morbus”, an album that immediately brought to mind “Platte”, except it’s even more heavy, intense and relentless. And I don’t mean that in the I-can’t-take-it-anymore-noise-fests of Acid Mothers Temple, but rather this is far more measured, where they capture a groove and expand upon it, rather than destroy it to the last note. When the group started, they were more or less an extension of Dirk Jan Muller’s one man project. Now it’s a fully fledged 5 piece group, armed with the latest in technology and a pile of vintage gear (especially in the keyboard department). I like the addition of the German narration, the wordless female vocals and even the occasional lyrical song in English. Electric Orange are getting better as each year passes.
Phlox - Rebimine + Voltimine. (2007 Estonia). Phlox are a new Estonian band that play in the VERY heavy fusion category (no metal though). Hard driving, fast, complicated and downright exhilarating. A 6 piece group with guitar, sax, Moog, and electric piano being the primary solo components. The opening track alone ‘Rahn’ is likely to leave you with jaw dropped and completely out of breath. We hear flute on this track, and it’s unfortunate that it’s the only use on the album, because the contrast with the heavy guitars and blazing rhythms is awe inspiring. That’s not to say the rest of the album isn’t as impressive, because there’s so much here to like. The only fault I can find is their tendency to take the sax and electric piano jams TOO far and lose us in the weeds (especially on the last 2 live improvisations, which should’ve just been left off altogether). Fortunately that’s a few and far between occurrence. Somewhere between Naikaku, Panzerballet and National Health is where you’ll find the sound of Phlox. HOT!!!
Tuna Laguna – Ripples and Swells. (2007 Norway). Tuna Laguna are a modern Norwegian post rock band who have a clear connection with the US post rock scene ala Tortoise. But there’s more here than insoucient mid paced jams to aid with your sleeping disorder. With the growling fuzz bass, wah wah guitars, filtered organs and the occasional tempo change, it’s clear Tuna Laguna are just as comfortable being a 1970s instrumental European prog rock band (Lotus, Scope, National Health, etc…). And the 7 piece band collective (including 3 guitarists and 2 keyboardists!) allow the group a multitude of options that really expands their sound. And sometimes they’ll catch a groove, which makes me think of the modern tribal cosmic groups such as Korai Orom or Ole Lukkoye. Add in the melodic content that is post rock’s greatest contribution, and you have a nice piece of music to drive the interstate with.