ASTRONAUTICA

Space Rock for Space Rock fans. Space Rock stabilized authentically. This album "Astronautica'', the latest album of a Finnish veteran combo HIDRIA SPACEFOLK  (sadly the latest even currently in 2020), launches more purely spacey soundscape leaning towards Ozrics or Hawkwind than their previous works. That is, sounds like they must have got to the Space Rock terminal station, unless they would not have been hibernated for a long while. There are some tribal or native elements here and there around the creation actually, but much more cosmic sound rays should be emphasized, I hear. On the other hand, their melodic lines or rhythmic bases get cooler and more brilliant. Therefore some 'authentic' Space Rock fans could love this opus.

Of course their playing technique, composition, unification of sound, or atmospheric effects should be fantastic. The first shot "Ad Astra" is completely constructed with delightful synthesizer-oriented lyrical movements and challenging phrases. Their splendid performances can take the audience onto the bright star (ad astra). Overdubs of guitar plays in the middle part tickle our inner mind. Unstable keys are also our gems. The following "Cycloop" has higher-tempo rhythmic energy filled with deep heavy texture and keen drumming power hitting our brain away. Synthesizer-based (maybe) xylophone-like sound agitation exactly like a cyclone is our hero. Basic lines are complicated but mysteriously we can digest them easily. In "Badding" we can enjoy various colourful sound tensions provided by them - a calm keyboard departure is developed to speedy heavy rock collective. In the middle part their playing tempo changes dramatically and fascinating repetitive spacey exposure blooms in front of us. This stream is such a killer. "Endymion" is another antipop psychic agent drenched in mystic melody complication tinged with ethnicity or orientalism. Simple electric guitar vibes are pretty supportive for the whole track. Sounds like they claim this cool soundscape should be their policy. The last "Seirenes" is quite kinetic and magnificent. Theatrical environment around the tune is full of passion. The very final phase involves SPACEFOLK's ultimate destination.

We might say that no incredible novelty nor innovation is found via "Astronautica" but who avoids this superb Space Rock Golden Road? Let me say I'm definitely immersed in this album veiled in the wonderful ad-astra sleeve.