COSMOS

Anthony Paterra and Steve Moore's first studio go after a demo and EP a year before, and it's a ringer. And when you have a proper debut this good, this smoothly executed and clean, you know you're hearing a unique pairing of two modern musicians that holds the promise of many happy years and returns. Judging from their continued output, I'd say it turned out to be a successful marriage.

Usually compared to Froese/Schulze and the like, I tend to hear more Goblin meets John Carpenter in these two. But same diff-- point is, it's some rippin ass electronic sh*t, and like follow-up Surface To Air will please rockers and electrons alike. In fact if it's any players who've most tastefully and successfully bridged the gap between electronic prog and power rock, it's gotta be this couple of Undead. 'Orion' overtures big but 'Cestus' really starts to bloom and pulls us out into the first stratum with driving five-beat measures, layer upon layer, masterfully building the tension as it stretches into a black hole never to return. 'Cassiopeia' rises in tempo and temperature generating its own magnetic field, and 'Serpens' comes close to brainwave pulse allowing us to rest a bit, take in the magnificent view these guys provide from orbit, and reminisces of Floyd circa 1975. 'Gemini's low-frequency hum vibrates in-between one's cells and grows into eleven full minutes, 'Andromeda' has the mirth of classic prog, and 'Taurus' finishes with a bone-chilling walk on the freezing-dark surface of the Moon where nothing but bad things are sure to occur.

No guitars or singing but in Zombi's case I can't think that anything but a plus. The best art is often that which is born of necessity, of a lack of something traditionally crucial, and finds a way to turn a disadvantage into a creative tool. Recommended.