Spaceseed - "Architects Of Twilight"
(Zeta Reticuli Records, USA/ Voiceprint, UK, 2009)
Spaceseed - "Architects Of Twilight"
(Zeta Reticuli Records, USA/ Voiceprint, UK, 2009)
From Aural Innovations July 2009 update
Their "Basement Demo-lition" EP had a couple great heavy space-rocking tunes, so I was pretty anxious to hear this full-length (their second?), especially considering contributions from ex-Hawks Bridget Wishart and Harvey Bainbridge. I love the packaging, the intent of pure heavy synth-smothered space-rock interspersed with magick and conspiracy-laden spoken-word interludes, but the overall outcome is a little disappointing, these tunes being pretty standard and Harvey's vocal contributions not being his strongest (not that they've ever been exactly great, but he's had his moments). You've got a couple heavily layered keyboard pieces which are so-so. The first proper song, "River In the Sky", does boast some pretty wild squiggle-synth work and you'll expect some lyrics, but it's instrumental (save Harvey's later monologue) - you might wanna try singing "Master Of the Universe", it would probably fit! Some of the more distinct atmospheres established are in the spoken bits like Bridget's intro-piece and "Blood On My Hands", which sets an effectively creepy mood. "The Insane Scientist" has some bitchin sludge riffage and the group-vocals (sped up to sound like a creepy minion) are pretty cool. Again, I like the heaviness but some of these riffs have just gone around a few too many times to sound that great anymore.
For more information you can visit the Spaceseed web site at: http://www.myspace.com/spaceseed1
Reviewed by Chuck Rosenberg