Thursday, February 17, 2011

Master Musicians of Bukkake - Elogia De La Sombra (2010, Latitudes)

This is an act of undisclosed identities. Their mystical, alchemical, kabbalistic and esoteric odes are performed cloaked and masked, which helps draw interest to the novelty they've created, but most critics and nerds have now concluded that the group contains members/former members of Sun City Girls, Earth, Asva, Climax Golden Twin and Burning Witch. Upon listening, you'll assuredly agree with those assumptions.

Elogia De La Sombra is the latest release on the Southern label's Latitudes series, a collection of EP's from an astounding array of innovative and experimental musicians, and this recording is a welcome addition to that impressive list.

The first gargantuan cut of Psych, "Tainted Phenomena", begins with a lone mystic drone followed by improvised drum fills and erratic guitar picking. At the height of the frenzy (one worthy of the Scandinavian Jazz Avant-Garde), all descends into calm as a traditional Tibetan Buddhist mantra is chanted, circling a singular guitar.

As the motorik title track ensues, a Krautrock sound worthy of Neu but akin to Hawkwind is manifested through the hypnotic Apache beat. Lyrics from the Borges poem this outing is named for are chanted, also becoming a mantra over this dazed and abstract groove.

Although not as adventurous as their other trips (Tomem 1 and 2), this half hour excursion is still top notch. As often happens with the Latitudes series, its over too quickly and I'm left wanting much more.

Get It Here

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