SPIRITCZUALIC ENHANCEMENT CENTER

Just a long overdue move, taking place sooner or later. Damo Suzuki joins forces with the SPIRITCZUALIC ENHANCEMENT CENTER. That will promise an interesting sonical joint venture. Any objection? To those music aficionados, who, for what reason ever, should not know him ... Damo is a vocal acrobat somehow, best known for fronting the Krautrock band Can during their (probably) best phase in the 1970's, including the masterpiece album 'Ege Bamyasi'. He's a traveler-without-age, still around in the scene due to diverse projects and collaborations. The SEC band then again, formed by drummer Nicolas Sheikholeslami, is deriving from another generation, known for an experimental stylistically independent attitude in general. However, they once met and recorded some music in Berlin, at the 'Arkaoda'. That's the Turkish expression for back room by the way. Furthermore, U-Ra-Beja ... the track titles joined together ... this is said to deliver the Japanese counterpart then anyhow. That means three songs, two of them rather extended, were put on the album, which leads into a typical vinyl length production finally.

Predominantly subtle drumming as well as varied playful synthesizer effects and patterns are accompanying Damo over the course. Consequently, as usual, meaningful lyrics will not necessarily play a role here. He might not be everybody's darling. Combined with diverse effects the special vocal improvisation is not something for everyone's taste. No complaints though, I simply want to express that they are not delivering an easy to digest menu here. Anyway, at least designated Can connoisseurs will love this, I'm quite sure. Paired with that experimental freeform attitude the instrumental skills are out of question by all means. The closing Beja for example sees Damo taking a backseat a bit. My favourite, the shortest track Ra needs to be noted especially, features a nice halting drive with slight oriental flair, but also odd tempo changes. Open-mindedness is required. Just coming alongside with some typical Krautrock spirit this is a rather obscure production, released on the French Akuphone label. Definitely needs a place in your well sorted music collection.

— First review of this album —

The SPIRITCZUALIC ENHANCEMENT CENTER is hailing from the vivid cultural melting pot Berlin. But, just like it is the case with some earlier Embryo incarnations for example, they also prefer to be underway everywhere around in the world. If possible. While aiming to collect new inspirations, to embed local like-minded musicians for some recordings, and to play live. One consequence, this is resulting in an everchanging staff, taken for granted. Drummer Nicolas Sheikholeslami seems to be the driving force here. On this occasion, that said their 4th record 'Carpet Album', the band is consisting of six core musicians, but the complete material finally was produced by 18 artists involved in one way or another. This also includes the two synthesizer players Omri Shmulewitz and Carl-John Hoffmann, who have taken on another rather important role when it comes to the overall sound.

Concerning the spirit their music is partially close to Electric Orange, Embryo or diverse music projects with Aidan Baker involved, for example Hypnodrone Ensemble. And this is all provided with some distinct Miles Davis temper on top. A description useful just for a rough orientation though, not more. Because they are offering round about 50 minutes of really unique improvised music here, somewhat avantgarde tinged kraut jazz explorations, when trying to sum it up. Ten loose arrangements transformed into a relatively short hypnotic jam in the end on every occasion. Funny to notice that they are explicitly claiming to act '... not in a prog way ...', eh, don't be so strict about that, it's just a matter of definition of course.

But yes, what is correct, the band can hardly be classified stylistically. Which then, based on those aforementioned ingredients and references, often enough will end in Neo Krautrock. There's also a strong trance behaviour present. And the ethno/world attribute comes to the fore every time with the oriental kanun respectively qanun involved, like on Carpet Inauguration. Played by Yael Lavie, who is a regular band member too when considering all the released albums so far. Equipped with a driving rhythm Sell It To HBO and My Silence Is Spanish are making my day especially. Released on the Berlin based Kryptox label the 'Carpet Album' is offering prospering music. The vinyl version comes slightly shortened. A very pleasant listening affair.