Customer Reviews

Alpine Static

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Good current CD release by the Seattle experimental/space rockers. Think I liked the disc's two lengthiest tracks the best, "Passed Out On The Lawn" and "Edge Set" which both clock in at around nine minutes. Also dug the electronic weirdness used in the background on tunes like "Wives Of Artie Shaw" and "Hiding Drugs In The Temple". Sort of reminds me of vintage Hawkwind. Funny, how I haven't seen that mentioned anywhere else. Overall, you get nine (9) cuts of trippin' mind music, JUST the way you like it. Might appeal to fans of Acid Mothers Temple, SubAracnoid Space, Bardo Pond and possibly Flying Saucer Attack. Recommended.

Imagine this as a soundtrack for a road trip, from desert up through mountain pines, complete with, halfway through as you rise in altitude, blasts of static and later crashing storms of feedback interrupting the "motorik" chugging beat that accelerates up the first part of the journey, and then coasts more peacefully to a gentle, bucolic meadow of softer sounds.

This is Kinski's best balanced effort yet, and without vocals, the chance for Alpine Static to waft over your own array of moods makes this a perfect companion for the open road. A title like "Passed Out on the Lawn" runs the gamut of emotions while it makes you project your own storyline upon the sonic variations presented. Songs take their time to rumble and roam; it's reminiscent of Mahler at times in its restless, epic, scope.

At times it recalls the suitably named Swervedriver with its relentless but tuneful insistence, often Kyuss and the stoner rock blasted from the Californian parched plains a decade ago, and throughout the steady, hypnotic movement of Neu. It's less assaultive than Comets on Fire, and more akin to a cross between the bands inspired by loud-soft heavy dynamics and those longing to re-create the inner moods that you feel when zooming up the highway into places long awaited to be glimpsed for the first time.

This album combines virtuosity with inventive songwriting and a tightness that can only come from many long rehearsals. This album is a masterclass in psych rocking. There isn't much in the way of improvisation which means the music has a different feel than the w_nk rock of some bands. I'd say they are like a more trippy version of The F__king Champs. I really encourage people to give this disk a chance, play it a few times before you make your decision on it.

The mastering is really really good on this cd, which is a rarity for rock cd's. There is plenty of dynamic range and the drums are really punchy. Usually drums sound wimpy and wet noodlely on rock records because of the heavy use of compression and brick wall limiting (see 'loudness war' at wikipedia). Not here.

All in all, one of the best rock instrumental albums of 2007.

Alpine Static is Kinski's most accessible ablum yet. Although it rocks a lot, it has an easy listening vibe that Airs and Don't Climb On lack. There's plenty of experimentation, sudden shifts, etc., but on the whole, the album is greener and more fun than their previous efforts. Fresh, playful. Their sense of humor definitely shines through on tracks like Hot Stenographer and The Snowy Parts. Initially, the repetition and sudden blasts of noise are really annoying until (after a few listens) you realize how necessary they are to the integrity of the album. They're there so that you can't forget that you're listening to a Kinski album. It's signature, and personal, and I think it heightens the intimacy. Makes you feel like their jamming in your living room and raiding your fridge for beer.

There's some great loose riffage on Hiding Drugs and Edge Set, and I love the way the album evolves; the second half is more stretched out and relaxed, so that the barrage of the first half doesn't make you uptight or seem forced. Waka Nusa is calm and lovely, and makes for a nice, gentlepersonly exit (and really fits the graphic elements of the album too, the Pacific NW woods photos, grasslands, etc.).

Alpine Static is all about Kinski turning old ideas on their heads and trying new things. At the same time, you can tell that they're having fun in the process, and not trying too hard to break with the past or efface their identity or anything. This is the Kinski album I reach for most often. It will make you feel good, good, good. 4++ stars.

Alpine Static is an album that succeeds as a complete piece. Nevermind the compelling dynamics and structure of each indevidual song, 'Static is organized as a fully-functioning artistic manifestation; Hot Stenographer, The Wives of Artie Shaw, etc. being the tendrils.

Although not quite as ambient...or perhaps rambling? as their first Sub Pop release, Alpine Static's tracks are more consistently driven by harder riffs. Live, it is readily apparent that this slight shift in focus loses none of the intensity of the buildups and climaxes that this band can so skillfully construe; Hot Stenographer being only one of many such tracks. But there is more to be had from this album than just that. Serenity, experimentalism, intoning, and just plain static all have their say here. Go see them live. If one finds none of that pleasing, for what it's worth, the album is aesthetically pleasing with lots of cardboard and pretty photos.

Kinski continues the progression of their musical maturation. And the result is a trip well worth taking.

While it may seem odd that I say Kinski is "in a class all their own", then proceed to give Alpine Static a middle ground three stars, I am writing more to talk about Kinski's entire catelogue. Alpine Static is, in my opinion, Kinski's weakest album. It doesn't have the same amount of struture and layers as their previous releases. Alpine is a good effort, but if you really want to know Kinski, check out Be Gentle With The Warm Turtle, Airs above Your Station, or their reissue Spacelaunch For Frenchie. Each one of these three records receive FIVE stars from this reviewer.

Kind of a mellow relaxed noise, good for the type of people who enjoy the genre.. I think I like their last release a little better though :)

they do not vary their tone or mood throughout the whole cd, but i will give it more listens, the 1st song is very repetitive and they dont renture out and try any new sounds. it is bland to me.