The gak is bak! Wait, didn't guitarist and resident gakker Robert Burger issue alien eye just last week or so? That might be the case, but the allegiance he's struck with a motley group of extraterrestial wayfarers validates the understanding that he wants us to think outside the musical bun, and that he's got ideas enough to release albums on a monthly basis! Also returning is guest keyboardist Dave Cashin (on the first and last tracks) and drummer Glenn Robitaille adds his touch to the monster title track — all other percussion, as on the first album, is programmed (and very well). A splendid organ-ic solo lurks on here, too, so listen for it.
return of the all-powerful light beings opens with a monster of a title track, a symphonic triptych of the Vangelis-meets-Hillage mold. A regal-sounding overture, a soundtrack to an undiscovered continent populated by miniature beings, and a ride on a smooth photon glider encompass in musical terms what this elegant suite is all about — up there with many an epic track. "cydonia" is a certifiable compact epic hinged on moderate guitar pyrotechnics that give way to a neo-canterbury spell sprinkled over with Synergystic spices. "apparition of departed human personalities" is easily the most "pastoral" sounding of the selections found here, with an organic feel bestowed by samples of reasonable quality. There's a quasi-Spanish section, with Burger playing a trumpet sample on guitar synth! Percolating electrons even assume faux-violin shapes that preface virtual orchestra — a decidedly Wendy Carlos tactic, if you ask me. Great fun, and accessible without dumbing down the formula.
"radio hypnotic intracerebral control" conveys a feel not unlike '80s (and some '90s) King Crimson. Those disjointed, staccato Stickish lines are usually referenced back to Levin, Gunn, and the like. "dance of the nine unknown men" finds the gakmaestro again plying his monophonic legato melodies, sensuous and crystalline and bearing more than a vague resemblance to "Bolero." The second half includes "singing" guitar a la Oldfield, and hi & lo sitarsonics. Having dodged (and dumped) the sophomore jinx, the gak omek has a great third run to look forward to. Electro-proghedz and instrumental aficionados need to get with the program and get the gak!
Tracklist:
1. return of the all-powerful light beings ::::: 15:06
2. forbidden technology of the lost clown civilization ::::: 6:13
3. cydonia ::::: 10:44
4. apparitions of departed human personalities ::::::10:45
5. radio hypnotic intracerebral control ::::: 6:54
6. dance of the nine unknown men ::::: 9:35
7. departure of the all-powerful light beings ::::: 2:57
Total time – 62:18
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