DAEDALUS

DAAL are a band who never disappoint and their latest "Daedalus" from 2022 is no exception. I thought this duo had actually expanded to a four piece as the bass player and guitarist who guested on "Decalogue Of Darkness" are part of the "DAAL are... followed by four names" in the liner notes but then further down where they thank people they thank these two and refer to them as being "Our very special guests". So still a duo and still creating soundscapes with lots of atmosphere and mellotron. Some symphonic stuff too like on "Navels Falling Into A Living Origami" but this isn't as experimental as that one. Close to an hour of music over six tracks.

The album opens and closes with "Journey Through The Spiral Mind" Parts 1 & 2 respectively and the opening 2 minutes are haunting then a piano line arrives as it builds slowly. Back to piano only at 5 minutes then it builds again. It's experimental 7 minutes in then back to piano after 10 minutes before turning symphonic with beats and mellotron. The closer is powerful to start with that organ and more. Piano only before 2 1/2 minutes and I love the RPI sounding organ pulsating away before 4 minutes. Symphonic sounding before 5 minutes then mellotron only after 6 1/2 minutes then atmosphere ends it. Headphone music my friends!

"Icarus Dream" is surprisingly uptempo but there are contrasts throughout with the calms. More contrasts throughout "Painting Wings" with the organ helping to create the powerful sections. "Labyrinth 66 Part 1 & 2" is as good as the opener and closer and at 13 minutes a nice long ride. Sounds sweep across the soundscape over and over as keys join in. The rhythm reminds me of UNIVERS ZERO here and this is dark. Finally "In My Time Of Shadow" opening in a spacey/symphonic style. Relaxing is the word with light beats and mellotron but also some guitar and piano. Check it out after 5 minutes, an interesting soundscape here of atmosphere.

This might be the most consistent recording of the seven studio albums they have released so far. No vocals either which I prefer.