Hellvete - Ode (DD15)

Meditating at Temple Hellvete. Peace and love to my friends at Humboldt Relief :)

We're going deep, literally! Glen Steenkiste's latest release as Hellvete on Deep Distance - recorded prior to Sint-Denijs- contains two side-long omnipotent drones. Ode continues on the path of Glen's recent work, which is documented on labels such as Blackest Rainbow, Tor Press and Crooked Tapes. These recordings, including Ode, bring the present into focus via sustained tones. When the speakers are cranked and the needle drops, incipient notes begin to cluster, forming layers of sustained, resonant energy. The first part of side A constitutes a lovely experience - embryonic light that gradually becomes concentrated. From that juncture, the drone becomes even more cozy. Serene undulations caress the listener on side A. An ethereal, oscillating drone and sustained notes exude brilliant energy. Interwoven strands of flickering tranquility construct the radiant carpet that transports one to the zenith. Sonic nuggets will be unearthed by the active listener; Glen's drones are constantly in motion, revealing subtleties when least expected. Spiritual drone fills the atmosphere on the flipside. Buoyant waves that possess an acute texture surge, emitting awesome vibrations prior to receding.   

Just like my last review of the Lake Mary tape, Ode is pleasing to the eyes and ears - beautiful artwork and insert. Released in an edition of 300 on ultra clear vinyl, I purchased my copy from Eclipse, who have a nice back catalog of Deep Distance lps available. The video below is from Sint-Denijs - enjoy!!   

peace and love, friends :)

Desmadrados Soldados De Ventura - Striiide (dd08)

Morning Wood gets one into their stride. peace and love to my friends at Humboldt Relief :)

This is one the heads will not want to miss. Deep Distance, the cosmic offshoot of Great Pop Supplement, put out some great records last year. Stellar releases from Köhn, J.D. Emmanuel, and Expo 70 culminated in a fine year for the label. Generally concentrated on electronic and kosmische releases, Deep Distance scored one of the finest goals of 2013 with some psych heaviness from Manchester collective, Desmadrados Soldados De Ventura. Literally a majestic strike from distance, Striide, doesn't waste any time in unleashing a deluge of top notch improvised free-form psych - with a garage feel - mayhem. Striiide's pervasive sonic assault is the product of three guitars, two basses, drums and vocals. Of particular delight is the manner in which Kate Armitage's vocals - consumed by the guitar/bass/drums vortex - emit a ubiquitous, dreamy quality. Andrew Cheetham's adept and intense drumming maintains stride, proceeding at a furious pace. At full speed, the barrage of psych goodness envelops one. The second release from this unit, which includes some new players surges unrelentingly upward, a brilliant object ascending into the ether, serenading the stars with unremitting dissonance and omnipotent guitar fury.

Accompanied by some of the best artwork of 2013, Striiide possesses that top-shelf, head warrior high that I seek with alacrity. Lately when I'm in need of a psych fix, I reach for Nick Mitchell-related projects. In only a few days the next batch of heaviness will be harvested, a 2lp on Mitchell's Golden Lab Records. Highly recommended and released in a pressing of 300 copies, the remaining copies of Striiide may be purchased through the band or from Volcanic Tongue.

peace and love, friends :)