REGENERATOR 3017

I remember the frustration in the second half of the 00's at how low the albums for this band were rated on this site, same with THE PINEAPPLE THIEF. Certain reviewers went out of their way I felt to go a lot lower with their ratings than I felt was acceptable. That's a long time ago and I have since learned we all have our different tastes so who cares if you rate my favourites at 2 stars or whatever because I've done the very same with certain bands I just can't get into. I am such a big fan of this band from California who early on were often described as a PINK FLOYD/KING CRIMSON cross which is over simplifying it but it helps I suppose.

Man I just checked and I have 13 of their studio albums along with a compilation album of rarities. I think "The Heavy Soul Sessions" is my all time favourite from them but they have rarely done anything sub par. This particular album is a bit of a departure for the band as they head into jazzy territories here but with the usual attention to detail. A five piece here with the usual instruments plus some field recordings and mellotron on five of the seven tunes.

That opener is a top two for me. Light and uptempo with intricate sounds to start and this section will be repeated later on as we get calms too in between. "Living In The Future Past" has some guest warr guitar on it. I like the start with the bass and drums as the electric piano comes and goes. Mellotron too and I really like when the guitar starts to solo. A mysterious beauty this one and the mellotron, guitar and electric piano shine. The other top two besides the opener for me is "Desert Varnish" which just sounds so good. I mean the keyboards and bass impress along with the guitar and it does become warm and melancholic. Mellotron flutes to open "Wind Pillow" as piano, bass and beats support. Guitar will start to solo then keys later. A couple of so so tracks follow before we get the excellent closer "On The Edge Of The Moon" which is the longest at 8 1/2 minutes.

This isn't one of their best in my opinion but worth the 4 stars. A lighter DJAM KARET for sure but I really have enjoyed spinning this one over the past week or more. Another impressive release from the boys. Hey if I look forward to playing the music I feel the band have succeeded.