rsd 2016. On their 2011 Thrill Jockey debut Eternal Tapestry deliver an album not unlike their epic live shows. Beyond the 4th Door contains long stretches of melodic guitar improvisations, dark brooding songs that slowly build and expand to allow in layers of light. The album was recorded in their home studio and was created by recording more that two hours of material, mostly live, and hand picking what you hold in your hands. There is a free and open nature to their structure creating for the listener a spacious environment to explore. Harkening back to the early 70's experimental rock that inspired them, such as Popol Vuh, Cluster and Trad Gras och Stenar, Beyond the 4th Door is an album meant to be listened to in its entirety. There is no single, no easy sound bite. It is not a record made for the pop world – it is a record made despite it. The brooding psych rock builds from the contemplative, atmospheric opener of "Ancient Echos" through to the heavy epic "Galactic Derelict", taking the listener way out and then gently calling them back with the reprise of Nick's ghostly vocals on "Reflections in a Mirage". The album finishes with a hint of light in the delicate guitar and bass interplay, floating on the ambient waves created by the open cymbal and horn work of "Time Winds Through a Glass, Cleary".
© 2021 bentcrayonrecords.com, llc.
