ReverbCentral.com, 02 Jan 2008.
By Phil Dirt.
The Reverb Syndicate - Sputnik A-Go-Go (5 out of 5)
This is the second release from The Reverb Syndicate. The whole album is light hearted, rich in imagery, and fluid. The lead guitar tone is a lot like Voodoo Court, but the music and band sound are much less edgy. Sputnik A-Go-Go is a very listenable and enjoyable release.
Lunar Attack!
Chants enhance the dark grind of the song, and the interesting, sorta spacy melody in the break is very engaging. "Lunar Attack!" employs a dark reverb guitar that sounds, at least in part, to be digitally reverbed. Double picked main melody riffs are surfy as well as spacy.
Sputnik A-Go-Go
This is a well developed number with a bit of island flair, perhaps even Spanish tropical. The melody is very friendly, and the warmth of the The Reverb Syndicate' sound is well used here. Excellent!
Bolshevik Boogie
Shimmering chords and a cycling rhythm pattern open "Bolshevik Boogie." Soon enough, it becomes a circular riff driven number with a sparking optimism. There something familiar about it, not in the heard-it-before way, but in the way some songs just connect inexplicably with your past. Very nice.
The Martini Cluster
Sparkling chords, an adventurous melody that portrays a coastal journey in summer, and a light hearted open air sound combine to create an uplifting journey. This is joyous and optimistic, with a very cool melody and excellent drums.
The Lonely Henchman
Slightly heavy, perhaps even dramatic, "The Lonely Henchman" is in fact a bit lonely feeling. The melody hints of espionage, and the circling bass suggest an inescapability. A little dark, on the moody side, and interesting.
La Balada De Senor Esquivel
In a stylish nod to Juan Garcia Esquivel, this song sports a gently flowing melody and delicate muted chords that drip reverb. It's a pleasant track with a rich imagery and a bit of sadness. A cool beat and back track support the melody well.
Escape From The Village
"Escape From The Village" is a light hearted number with great tom tom action and a sparkling melody line. Open and adventurous, with a decidedly optimistic sound. Does the title nod to The Prisoner?
Belka & Strelka's Big Adventure
The shimmer of tremolo and a bit of a spy-jazz rhythm and structure, with light organ lead, muted surf guitar rhythms and leads. It's definitely a playful number that's light on your nerves. Pretty cool!
Theremania!
One might expect a theremin to augment "Theremania!." The surf guitar lead is solid, some lines being heavily muted while the drums play a cool beat. It's a splendid song that reminds me a lot of Voodoo Court, both structurally and in the distortion on the reverbed guitar. Oh, as expected, the theremin does indeed come on strong adding space weirdness to the song mid stream. Great track!
Trans-Siberian Sunset
This is a semi-Spanish number that's sunny and very Baja-coastal in imagery. "Trans-Siberian Sunset" takes you along whether you want to go or not. Warm and engaging.
|
