TO OBSCURITY AND BEYOND

US band AFROSKULL was formed sometime in the late 90's, based out of New Orleans if I manage to understand their biography section correctly. They recorded and released a critically acclaimed but commercially not so sound initial effort back in 2000, was an active live unit for the next few years and built themselves a cult following. When some of the vital band members moved to New York Afroskull went into a brief hiatus, before said members decided to form Afroskull anew in their current location. And in 2009 they hit the recording studio anew, the end result released in November 2009 as "To Obscurity & Beyond".

Those who love groovy sounds, sophisticated rhythms and elaborate horn arrangements should find this second chapter in the musical history of Afroskull to be a most intriguing effort. Some might find their use of heavy guitar riffs to add darker textures to their excursions to be somewhat alien for such a musical venture. But those who do approve will most likely treat this production as a rare and treasured item in their collection, as Afroskull to my knowledge is just about the only band exploring this particular corner of the progressive rock universe.