TOMBOLA

It has been a long time since I have heard from DarXtar, the last being when I reviewed 'Sju' back in #35 (1996) and it is some surprise to discover that this is the first full-length album since then. I have always viewed them very favourably and thought that within the realms of space rock there were few bands that could touch them. That viewpoint has been reinforced with the release of 'Tombola' which was completed as long ago as 1998 but has taken until last year to seethe light of day. Apparently they are now starting on their next project which they are determined will not take as long to be released.

DarXtar are still very influenced by Hawkwind (and have recorded with Nik Turner in the past) and songs such as "Compromised Space" contain passages that are so close to their sound that a Hawkfan would say that they were previously unheard recordings by them. But there are also strong elements of Floyd and even at times The Beatles which make this the strongest release of theirs to date. They admit that this has been overdubbed many times and is certainly multi-layered with the band using many different instruments to create a sound that is both unique and highly recognisable.

Although it is an album that may only appeal to a few it is a space rock album of some considerable strength and one that I have enjoyed playing immensely. I urge all fans of the genre to check this out immediately, if not sooner.

Originally appeared in Feedback #71, Dec 02