NOSTALGIA

SULA BASSANA is Dave Schmidt a German multi-instrumentalist who absolutely does everything on this album. He then gave the finished result to Eroc who mastered it. The cover art is incredible, especially when both panels are open(front and back) what a piece of art.

As much as I'm a fan of Dave Schmidt I must admit there's a lot of hit and miss with his solo stuff under the name SULA BASSANA, the same with the band ZONE SIX he's involved with. My favourite of his solo efforts is "Dark Days" from 2012. Not long after that one he got more into the electronic side of music which I wasn't as into. This latest from 2022 is called "Nostalgia" because it does recall the earlier days. In fact these tracks were created between 2013 and 2018 but weren't suitable to the style he's more into now.

We get five tracks under 42 minutes. Not big on Dave's singing just because he almost whispers or is distant sounding. Why bother but it's psychedelic music, it's all about the mood he's creating. The album opens with "Real Life" and it's slow and trippy as the guitar echoes. Whispered vocals here and they will come and go. Synths sound like a helicopter briefly before 2 1/2 minutes. It does get heavier when the vocals step aside then themes are repeated. More of those whispered vocals on "We Will Make It" but I do like this track better than the opener. Spacey is contrasted with heavy.

The title track is brighter with strummed guitar and electronics. A feel good sound that will include drums but this is quite spacey. "Wurmloch" is 10 minutes and the longest but also the least adventerous as they seem to lock into a groove and stay there. The closer "Mellotraum" is good for the upfront mellotron to start as a catchy mid-paced rhythm kicks in. Repetitive with the last 1 1/2 minutes being spacey.

I don't know this just doesn't catch my imagination at all other than the art work. It feels tired or maybe that's me. Check Dave out with Ax and Mani from GURU GURU they put out a couple of live records that's anything but sleepy.