FURTHER

"Further" is the second studio album from MONOMYTH as these spacerockers continue in the same style as their debut from a year earlier. A five piece from The Netherlands I feel that this 2014 release is a definite step down from their debut, in fact of the four studio albums they have released this might be my least favourite but it's still a very solid 4 star record. It's interesting that other than the drummer the other four all play guitar on this album at some point. Two of them also add keys. Four longish pieces with the closer being the longest at just under 18 minutes while "Collision" is the shortest at just under 6 minutes.

Man that self-titled debut really blew my socks off as I gave it 5 stars and while this one has it's moments it does pale somewhat in comparison. I love the way they use the synths to create atmosphere and also the way they contrast the heavy and light sections. Some buildups as well but this is more about contrasts. All instrumental as well. The organ is a nice touch adding to the power when they go "off".

The second track "Spheres" is cool the way it trips along for the first 3 minutes then they amp it up. These contrasts will continue. The under 18 minute closer is divided into three sections "Undocking", "123AU Corridor" and "Emergence". Synths to start and it's experimental and sparse until the drum arrive a minute in and then it starts to move. It builds then settles right back, keys too. Heavy again at 5 minutes then the guitar starts to solo before 6 minutes and I'm thinking Krautrock here. More contrasts follow and I love the sound at 13 1/2 minutes and the synths help add to the power here with that atmosphere.

I'm really looking forward to spending time with their final two records as they have changed things up some. This is a highly rated band in Spacerock circles and certainly having the drummer from 35007 helps a lot in that regard.