Heavily influenced by Pink Floyd, Dark sees Schenk taking a step to the side and injecting more of himself into an album that is all the stronger for it. Dark, likes its title, ventures into some troubled landscapes that are written around some engaging melodies and sound musicianship.
There are still obvious nods to Floyd which I am sure many reviewers will pick up on but this release represents a definite step forward in terms of its individual identity. The opening of “The Fight Is Over” introduces both viewpoints well. “Hey Man” stands out and represents just how the ideas of Jean-Pierre are busy developing. A lovely acoustic start to “I’m Waking Up” introduces a song that when it finally ignites begins to hit home.
For me, “Knowing All I Do Is Worth Nothing” is a track strong enough to dispel the fears within its title. It’s dark and moody, and sits elegantly mid set, succeeding in further drawing you in. “You” links in excellently, and convinces that this is an album to return to again. “Where Do We Go From Here” shifts and switches before leading to the closing Floyd like vibe of the title track.
More of their own character, as revealed on this album, will serve the band nicely in the future.
Oresund Space Collective – Good Planets Are Hard To Find
Next we are heading north to Malmo in Sweden. In reality we are going to travel a lot further than that. When I reviewed one of the Oresund Space Collective’s four previous albums, The Black Tomato, I sounded like some ageing hippy with a touch too much of the magic sparkly cube still in my head.
Maybe it is time that I left it all behind and finally accept the fact that I am not a member of Gong. Sounds easy doesn't it? That is until Good Planets Are Hard To Find landed literally on my mat.
Suddenly this coach trip around Europe is taking on the feel of The Magical Mystery Tour after all. This is especially the case with the wonderful sitar drenched opening of the title track. The improvisational magic and trippy majesty of the Oresund Space Collective just has to be experienced to be believed.
Taking the ‘collective’ philosophy to its conclusion the album was recorded with the addition of many new members who had never worked with the band before. Chemistry is clearly as strong as ever these days and the result is a cosmic joy on every level.
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