ABSORPTION LINES

Honestly, this is not an album I actually would expect from a project with Adrian Jones involved. I solely knew him due to his band Nine Stones Close beforehand, in this case producing fine neo prog songs. 'Absorption Lines' though is far more space rock and electronic music oriented. Hey, one might say, isn't it a worn out concept in the meanwhile? No it isn't, among others of course thanks to this album first and foremost. Michel Simons and Adrian Jones are deriving from a different cosmos music-wise, but skillfully consolidate their influences and visions anyhow. Call it DJ Shadow meets Pink Floyd, or maybe Tangerine Dream comes along with Porcupine Tree. Something of everything is in place here, this supported by some guesting musicians.

Equipped with an ambient/trip hop attitude Wrong Turn marks the lift-off, until then suddenly a tremendous groove and space guitars are brought into action. The second song The Sixth Wheel appears in a similar execution featuring some ethno/world feel. Ambient key patterns are each contrasting as well as harmonizing with heavy drums and guitar riffs. Well done so far! Okay, properly speaking, the extended title track reminds of The Great Gig In The Sky in particular. However, an intriguing, way more spacey atmosphere is given here. 'Houston, we've had a problem' - they are including the sample from the original radio communication, just after the Apollo 13 astronauts had figured out the damage.

While considering this highly dangerous moment it's set into motion with an oppressive melancholic feel. Surely a highlight! And then there is another novelty to state by comparing with the project's debut, I mean the vocal supported songs Cathedral and Hours Slip Into Days. The closing song picks up the Apollo 13 issue again, contentwise checking up which option to choose for a save return. So I would say, due to a fluid execution featuring proper trance feel, this one is a recommended contribution to the psych/space genre after all.