The American-based indie group Brian Jonestown Massacre have been spitting out a range of psychedelic-alternative sounding records since their formation in the early ’90s. Perhaps it is leader Anton Newcombe’s ability to play 90 different instruments or his eclectic writing style but whatever the case may be, the band has shown that they still have an ear for experimentation. Their new record, Aufheben, which was released on May 1, portrays the energy and passion that they have always had.
The first track, “Panic In Babylon,” is an instrumental song with flutes from the Middle East and an upbeat drum section that leaves a feeling of walking through a desert in Egypt. There is another instrumental piece on the album, “Face Down On The Moon,” which begins with a mystical sitar and progresses into what sounds like an ancient Mayan flute influenced jam. These two tracks speak the most out of the album in that they cover cultural boundaries in music which demonstrates what the band is all about—diversity. The other songs all have a common theme. Each one begins with a riff that is ’70s influenced and moves into a modern sound that deviates from the typical genre today. Their compositions show the groups contemporary aspect of a clash between music both past and present.
In its entirety, the record can potentially resonate in the hearts of any fan of today’s British trip hop genre with its powerful yet crisp backbeats. The consistency of sound and lack of solos among instruments is what makes Aufheben a very soothing and pleasurable listen. Bands such as the Brian Jonestown Massacre are an asset to both the music industry and the common spiritual living person for their providing of a feeling that is both retro and diverse.
In A Word: Unique
