SONIC ASTRONOMY

US band PLASTIC OVERLORDS was formed and came to prominence in a few hectic weeks back in 2000, the band forming, recording and releasing their debut album in less than a month, and then disbanding while the positive reviews of that initial effort were still drying at the printers, more or less. 10 years later the band members all decide to give this another go, and salvaging the material from their brief initial phase is the first step. Two years later the material has been repaired, remixed and reworked, and then released on CD through the band's own label Fool's Errand Records.

If you like psychedelic rock and space rock (progressive or not), Plastic Overlords is a band that merits your attention. A certain fondness for the good, old Mellotron is needed, a taste for The Who possibly required, and if you enjoy the gentler cosmic escapades of early to mid 70's Pink Floyd too you are hereby categorized as a member of this band's core audience, as I have a hard time trying to think of persons who might fit such a description that wouldn't love this CD.

PLASTIC OVERLORDS are a band from the States which fortunately survived a big sleep after they had produced their debut in 2000. Ten years later David Noel (bass, keyboards, vocals) and Brad Johnson (drums) reunited, where they could win John Eades over to replace Eric Hand. This sophomore album keeps contributions from both guitarists as a consequence - for the simple reason that they either have composed new songs but also incorporated some remixed exemplars from the debut on 'Sonic Astronomy'.

In order to define the musical framework, I'd say this is heavy psych/space prog featuring hints coming from Hawkwind, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, King Crimson and Rush. Genre typical sci-fi references are given - just take the song titles. Still not interested yet? Okay, don't keep away, then let me assure you now that compositions and instrumental implementation are really top-notch. That means here we have powerful rock tunes which are showcasing accentuated drumming, heavy guitar riffs, thick bass lines and nice melodies. And then consider tricky twists and turns, atmospheric psychedelic moments, the use of mellotron - this altogether makes the production very very enjoyable.

A special attraction is that David Noel's voice and guitar are even getting close to Robert Plant and Jimmy Page - in personal union quasi.- to recognize on Silver Sparks From The Holy Mountain most notably. While incorporating many of the above noted attributes at once I would call up Star Avenger vs. The Winged Hippopatomus and Tea And Cake With Another Mad Hatter to represent the band's masterpieces (so far ... that said because they are working on new material, for what I know). This is able to please a progressive rock fan's heart. Great album overall - most warmly recommended!