Øresund Space Collective
Slip into the vortex
Transubstans Records
If you're not already familiar with Denmark's improv jazz merchants, the band name itself should hint as to the style evident on "Slip into the vortex". That's right, it's a progtastic space rock extravaganza that will have fans of the genre slipping into ØSC's own musical vortex for close on 80 minutes. It's a strange affair, this album. Of course, that can be said for a lot of bands who populate this weird sub-genre. But with "Slip into the vortex" there's something altogether different going on; it might sound silly, but the first part of this album sounds a lot like an electronic version of the Lethal Weapon 2 soundtrack with its odd, almost sleazy, saxophone sections playing a predominant role, especially in opening track, "I teleported to Acapulco". It takes a while before the cosmic elements kick off in earnest but, when they do, it's like the soundtrack to a space rock fan's wet dream (I assume). If this is as improvised as the band claims, then it's astounding that they've pulled it off so fluidly. There's definitely a particular frame of mind required to pull maximum enjoyment from this and if you're there it's sublime. If not, it can get a bit tiresome. Might not be the greatest thing ØSC have ever done, but it's close.
- John Norby
