Customer Reviews

Forever Alien

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

'Forever Alien' is the band's fourth longplayer. As some of you probably know,Spectrum's main player Peter Kember (aka Sonic Boom)was a member of the long defunct Spacemen 3. In fact, I believe that Spectrum truly is a branch of Spacemen 3. Especially with this CD. It's great! Kember now plays the theremin and analog synthesizer. A true slice of ambient drone heaven is to be experienced on 'Forever...'. Certainly may not be for the mainstream at heart, but then again,what really cool music is? Just an outstanding '90's indie space rock release that you're sure to get many trippin' plays from. I wouldn't have even known about this disc had not a friend informed me about it. Tracks that did it for me were the title cut,"Forever Alien" (maybe the best tune on the entire CD), "Feels Like I'm Slipping Away", their remake of Spacemen 3's "How Does It Feel?", "Owsley" and "Liquid Intentions". Recommended if you enjoy this genre.

Sonic Boom, aka Pete Kember, has had a varied solo output in the past decade. His early works were similar to his noisy, pop-sprinkled drones in Spacemen 3, complete with lyrics and all. Of late his efforts have relied heavily on ambience, working more with vintage syths, processors, and heavily treated guitar. This album falls somewhere in bewteen those two axis', but is not quite as good as either era. Per usual, the songs rely on one rhythym, one melody, one synth-driven part, and one kind of guitar noise. The songs don't vary within themselves nor from song to song. "Delia Derbyshire" is a song that melds the Sonic Boom of old with the Sonic Boom of now, and "Matrix," "Like...." and "The End" stick out above the rest for not being so bland. The other songs could have been better if lyrics had been omitted; most of the song structures aren't condusive to vocals. This album is from a transitional period in Kember's career and works only at showing what was and what was to come. Not terrible but not comparable to some of the work he had done earlier and has done recently.

A mixture of ambient drone-rock and analogue synths, this is heaven if you're into vintage electronica - even the album cover is plastered with images of old EMS synths, and the music itself is a masterclass in messing about with old electronic instruments. Thing is, that's pretty much what it is - a guy messing around with old electronic instruments. Whilst reciting pretty bad poetry over the top, in a manner which reminds me of Neil from 'The Young Ones', but with synths. It's therefore an odd half-way point between the out-and-out weirdness of EAR and the tunefulness of Spiritualised, neither one nor the other.

Much more interesting than anything I've heard from Spaceman 3. Heavy synth continuously percolating and distorting . . . there are definately songs on this with vocals and all, but they're far from the "accessible" kind. Very spacey. Gotta be in a certain mood to get into this and I don't always make it through the whole album 'cause these loops and what not can get pretty intense. Still, I'm very greatful to have something so unusual in my collection.

This type of music isn't for the mainstream, to be sure. But it is an outstanding sonic experiment, and one that demands repeated listenings. It's also kind of creepy at times, which is a good thing.

Sonic Boom basically encapsulated the psychedelic experience in sound. I don't know how he did it, but it is a wonder to behold. Really what is to be admired here is being able to bear witness to someone so expertly deploying their sonic expertise. Put headphones on and be transported. This is sonic imaging at its (his) best.

Sonic Boom from Spacemen Three weaves moody drones of vintage electronica, submerging the listener in a liquid sci-fi theremin-spiced experience. This could be the alternative soundtrack for "The Man Who Fell to Earth" (featuring David Bowie.) It's very Orwellian: the main theme is alienation. There's also nods to Francis Bacon and Owsley. This is definitely NOT "easy listening!"

SPECTRUM-"SOUL KISS (Glide Divine)"=***** Spectrum are the oft-overlooked project from former Spacemen 3 genius Sonic Boom. While "What Came Before After" is composed of much material recorded while Sp3 were still together (and with band mates Will Carruthers and Rosco), SOUL KISS offers compositons developed later. However, the songs still retain the feel of late Sp3 material. "How You Satisfy Me" is the only upbeat track of the bunch, and it's a twisted pop gem. "Lord I Don't Even Know my Name" is a plaintive prayer meant for breaking up or overdosing. The rest of the tracks are spectacular drone pieces with feeling, the best being "Sweet Running Water." My copy is on Silvertone Ultra/Big records. Good luck finding your copy.