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Reviews

Architectural Metaphor — Creature of the Velvet Void
(Black Widow BWR 019, 1997, CD)

by Peter Thelen, Published 1997-10-01

Creature of the Velvet Void Cover art

One doesn't have to go much further than the booklet cover to know that this is some trippy stuff; all the signs are there. Twisted little sounds and hallucinatory effects appear and decay from the corners of the room while this New England based three-piece band of guitars, keyboards, and drums (with male and female vocals) work through the seven numbers that comprise this, their second disc. At one end you have an almost deranged, buzzing Hawkwind-like sound, but presented without the hard driving rock force; at the other, a spacy Gong-like dreaminess with bubbling synths and glissando guitars, sometimes even approaching the electronic realms of a 70s Tangerine Dream. The space-whispered vocals of drummer Deb Young may recall Renate Knaup circa Wolf City, and the freaky approach to arrangement and bizarre songwriting also remind of Amon Düül II at times. Anything is possible here, but no more so than on "Holy Ground" with its growling background synth drone, vocal treatments, and dark sinister arrangements. There's a lot here for the neo-psych fan to enjoy, but unlike Ozrics, Porcupine Tree, and other more accessible bands, Arc Met will take a few listens to acquire the taste. Recommended.

Filed under: New releases, Issue 13, 1997 releases

Related artist(s): Architectural Metaphor

 

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