COSMODEMONIC & BEYOND

BLACK SCIENCE is one of my finest discoveries in recent days. The Seattle-based foursome operates under aliases, I'm quite sure ... and this is where the mystery already begins. What really strikes though is their sound, unique and fascinating. 'Cosmodemonic & Beyond' is the band's second album in the meanwhile, released in August 2010, and outfitted with a refined setting which wraps me in some way.

Now, obviously, as for a proper orientation, album and song titles respectively cover art are strictly pointing to space rock roots of course. The opener The Universe Personified apparently shows Hawkwind references, however there is more ... a hallucinogenic outfit in between ... the hypnotic groove backed by a powerful rhythm branch ... the strong jamming attitude later spiked with diverse mysterious electronics and samples. Overall this sounds that rounded and pleases me much - great start-up.

On Theta 8 swirling synths and excellent vocals complement the overall impression - this seems to meander aimlessly first, but picks up another excellent groove further on. A dynamic garage mood controls Another Space Anomaly where Consensus Of Rapid soars to another album highlight including excellent guitar work, etheral voices ... and a nervous breakdown as well. While under way with their Resurrection Ship later this first reminds me of Talking Heads as for the shell but also offers a tremendous guitar thunderstorm in between, wow!

45 inspired minutes are way more than 80 minutes of randomness - I would classify 'Cosmodemonic & Beyond' a rounded affair. The fundament is groovy heavy space rock in any case, and there's always a slight doom background to state for example. What makes it attractive in the end is the variety, the jamming parts are gripping. When thinking of similar bands Omnia Opera come into my mind. Would be really interesting to know how this works live on a stage. Great spirit all in all - 4.5 stars