HEX

At the time this album came out its was a very new and refreshing type of music; although this could be a Pioneer album the music played here was a mixed between the experimentations of John cage and the avant-grade of the 70`s. But even with those references no one in 1994 could imagine the result of this rare mixture. The band could be an inspiration to the next generation of post rock like Godspeed and all the "constellation" bands but I don't see clear the connection [maybe the use of cellos and violins to create atmospheres]. Bark psychosis just made one album in the 90`s, but without this maybe the post rock wouldn't found the sound that have this days.

The line up its very vast and they used too many different instruments (this could be a bad thing but certainly sounds great). The use of trumpet and clarinet it's very well balanced to make richer the music Environment. The production it's flawless and all the instruments were perfectly well recorded.

The album starts great with the "The Loom" and the jazzy "A Street Scene". Then the excellent and epic "Absent friend" starts beautiful and the crescendo sounds great, the song culminates with some experimentation with electronic effects. I have to say that the only weak point (for me) it's the experimental song "Fingerspit" this song in particular exceeds the sound of electronics and rare vocals and sound in some passages very annoying.

The next track it's excellent, a perfect balance between Post rock and Jazz, the songs ends with a trumpet sol like a tribute to Miles Davis. The last 20 seconds finish with some awful vocals but it's to short. Finally comes "Pendulum Man" this piece worth the album. Here is where I can really see the connection with the next generation of post rock bands; it's all instrumental and starts slowly with some beautiful landscape effects, then a piano begins to play scantily and very emotional and behind it some sad guitar chords (really amazing).

Bark Psychosis made an excellent debut album and its a landmark in their discography. Also they mark the start of a new subgenre, because of this I give it 4.5 stars excellent addition to any Experimental/post rock music collection. In conclusion if you want to know the roots of post rock go and find this.

BAMBA.