It's Happy Hour at the Sea Of Tranquility. You get 2 reviews for the price of one. I've decided to tackle the 2 CD-R's sent our way by this band in one fell swoop. The styles on both are quite similar and thus interchangeable.
So what is the style of Groove Stream Attractor ? The quartet plays a completely improvised music. Both the 3-track EP Emergent Phenomena and the full length Into The Vortex were recorded in one take, with no overdubs. "Space Rock" would be the first phrase that comes to mind . Brian Preston lays down a hypnotic bass line which repeats itself like a mantra while bandmates Todd Barbee ( Saxophones, Yamaha WX&), Ted Johnson ( Synthesizers), and Jeff Lindsey ( percussions- all electronic) add layers of electronic noodling or smooth saxophone propelling the listener into the nebulous regions of the galaxy.
Labelling this style as New Age would not be doing full justice; although it is a more subdued musical form which rarely veers off course. There's no great builds ups or tension/release moments ,thus it's not the most dynamic music going.It has some interesting moments , most notably on Into The Vortex. Last Ship To Mars has got a great groove and is even slightly reminiscent of French greats Clearlight. The title track has Mr Barbee sounding a little like Elton Dean ( The Soft Machine) at times, though I am not trying to draw parallels between this band and the quitessential Canterbury greats.This whole project appears to be homemade from start to finish as the discs are produced and distributed by Ted Johnson himself.
About a year ago, we had a poll onSea Of Tranquility where we asked you, the reader, to vote on the direction we should take as a site. Although the overwhelming majority of you voted for progressive rock, I recall there being at least 2 votes for ambient/electronic. So Dave and Tom ( or Rick and Steve) this review's for you.
Track Listings:
Emergent Phenomena
- Jurassic Moon 4:34
- Gulf Stream 5:50
- The Obelisk 18:30
Into The Vortex
- Paradise Beach 3:48
- Into The Vortex 9:27
- Strange Cargo 7:58
- Last Ship To Mars 7:50
- Mayan Odyssey 11:10
- Cicadan Symphony 12:40
- The Crystal Caverns 1:28
- The Ancient Mariner 6:49
- The Edge Of The World 13:28
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