Search - Bear in Heaven :: Red Bloom of the Boom (Dig)

Amon Duul II and Faust on Prozac--the best thing in years!

Jason E. Reeves | 02/20/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A phenomenal album. (The band mentions a Krautrock influence (among others) on their site and it certainly comes through, hence my mentioning of such bands in the title). "Red Bloom of the Boom," along w/ Fiery Furnaces' "Widow City," are my favorite turn ons I've come across this year. The sound is swirling, whimsical, dreamy, determined. The vocals are counter-intuitive, but melodically thoughtful and moving. And about Krautrock, think Can, et al: if you like rich sounds accompanied by occasional psych-breaks w/ moving, progressive grooves (including highly innovative drum work) and panning, haunting sounds, you will dig this long time. But there's a tasteful interweaving of those breakout moments w/ sweeping, richly harmonic soundscapes, reflective pauses, and infectious melodies. The sound is to my ears decidedly and refreshingly low-fi, but at the same time boldly exploratory, competently mixed, lush and modern--almost like that of Medicine or My Bloody Valentine at times (but not by and large). The songs, rather than miniature pop nuggets, are more like 5 to 7 minutes, so be warned: this is a thinking-person's band. You have to be able to appreciate sitting and focusing on the music. All in all, I believe they are to be taken seriously and are highly rated. Hope you guys can come to Atlanta, at some point. Cheers!"