CREATURE OF THE VELVET VOID

Architectural Metaphor are true, modern day psychedelic trippers - I was fortunate enough to acquire an LP of this 'Creature of the Velvet Void', of which it is, and a strange creature at that. This USA band consists of 3 members ; Deb Young (lead vox, Drums/Perc. sundries) Paul Eggleston (synths, voice) and Greg Kozlowski (all manner of guitars - gliss, backwards, spatial, leslie, e-bow and a barrage of effects) and in their thanks list you can find the names Hawkwind, Nik Turner, Ozrics, Monster Magnet and Gong mentioned. Also, there is this line inside the gatefold 'When the everywhere eye asks you Who is the Emperor of the Sky ? Call the Archangels Thunderbird' - Mama Duul. Obviously, this album sports a Krautrock vibe, it can be quite stoner, at times the mix is a mess (intentionally, I hope), and it is quite dark. Highlights are 'Kairos' - a lengthy, electronic dominated piece with echoes of TANGERINE DREAM and during the rockier 2nd half, the classic Kraut sound of AMON DUUL II is there 100%. Not plagiarism, but passionately emulated. 'Holy Ground' is darker than dark - they've manipulated the vocals to produce this truly f***ed up result, something I've never heard before, and it works. 'March Of The Wooden Potatoes' is another nod to HAWKWIND/TANGERINE DREAM's electronic space-rock. On this album you will also find 2 cover-versions, 1 is Lou Reed's (Velvet Underground) 'All Tomorrow's Parties' and a 12 minute version of Hawkwind's 'Golden Void'. Admittedly, one has to be in the mood to enjoy this album - sometimes it repulses me, but most times it's rewarding. 3.5 stars.