Southern space rock? Well, if you are like me, I've never heard of that term before, but this little band from Finland who call themselves Kremlin are indeed out to let the word know of their eclectic style, which incorporates elements of space rock, stoner, psychedelia, prog, and a touch of bluesy southern rock. Their self-titled debut for Svart Records contains six tracks that intrigue from the first listen, as hazy vocals drift over pulsing rhythms, beefy guitar riffs, and bubbling keyboards. While the vibrant opener "Ghost Flyers" owes as much to Hawkwind and Clutch as it does its strange play on the Outlaws hit "Ghost Riders in the Sky", the band really settles into a nice groove with "Cruhn", a dreamy, proggy gem that features effects laden vocals and waves of great keyboard textures. "Thought You Were Dead" is a slow, bluesy rocker that wouldn't sound out of place on a Graveyard album, and the heavy, Black Sabbath styled riffing of "Lizards" eventually give way to space rock synth freakouts for a completely wild ride. The band drift right back into ominous, early Hawkwind sounding psychedelia for the eerie closer "World is Coming Down", another dramatic, powerful statement on this very enjoyable album.
Svart Records never crease to amaze with their diverse roster of bands who cover a myriad of different styles, and this debut from Finland's Kremlin is no different. Recommended.
Track Listing
1) Ghost Flyers
2) Cruhn
3) Thought You Were Dead
4) Lizards
5) Lizards II
6) World Is Coming Down
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