First Band From Outer Space: The Guitar Is Mightier Than The Gun

Hailing from Gothenburg (nearly outer space, but not quite), come First Band From Outer Space and it will come as little surprise to hear that the four lengthy tracks contained here specialise in rock of the space variety. Moulding the progressions of Yes with harmony vocals of the Cosmic Rough Riders by way of early Pink Floyd and a laid back Black Sabbath, FBFOS create some hypnotic groove laden meanderings that are both mesmerising and engrossing.

From the moment that the CD starts with a needle being placed on a record, you know that you are in for a retro inspired journey that burrows deep into the mind and leaves you with snippets of hypnotic, yet insistent guitar led rock that manages to encompass ethnic rhythms and vibes by way of flutes and djembe drums. Previously released on vinyl this CD version adds a fourth track to the mix which brings the running time of the album to just under sixty minutes where the mood ebbs and flows in an impressively organic manner. The songs never sound forced or manipulated as they morph from heavy oppressive guitars into intricate rhythms and harmony vocals before starting a new, fresh journey that seems to bring you right back to where you started.

The vocals are often used as another instrument that calmly fades in and out of focus rather than leading the melodies which adds to the ethereal qualities of the instrumentation. The music floats and glides with a refrained authority that even during the more weird breakdowns demands your full attention and when the payoff comes in the shape of the determined build of Smokin' the effect is all the grander. However once that focused crescendo is achieved, FBFOS aren't content, instead they slowly deconstruct the song right down again to a point where you are standing on a beach listening to waves crash upon the shore before a rumble of thunder breaks the calm. With that the needle lifts off the "record" and your cosmic voyage is complete.

The Guitar Is Mightier Than The Gun is an expertly paced visitation to this planet that takes grip of your mind and refuses to let go and whilst it sounds decidedly retro in places the crystal clear production never lets you forget that this music is new and vibrant. Well crafted and performed First Band From Outer Space have made a slab of music that seduces and caresses you with a deceptively strong and firm grip.

Track Listing
1. Demons & Haze
2. Turn Left To The Mexican Barbecue
3. The Guitar Is Mightier Than The Gun
4. Smokin'

Added: January 30th 2010
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Band's MySpace Page
Hits: 2317
Language: english

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