Tuesday 19 March 2013

Celestial Bums - Celestial Bums

EP review by kev@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk


Let's not speculate on what the name refers to, instead let's concentrate on the music made by Spanish psych-rock group Celestial Bums on this eponymous EP. From the get-go it's apparent that this lot know where they're going, and it's clear that they've been listening to records by Spacemen 3, Galaxie 500 and possibly current acts such as Cheval Sombre. Their plan is to take us on a beautiful trip; a journey though spacious and unearthly realms, and that's exactly what they do. 'Before I'm Gone' could be taken from a Spectrum album, slowly building from a simple guitar line to a cacophony of space-rock that's backed by a gentle drone. It's the second shortest song here at nine-and-a-half minutes, the shortest being just a little less, but it's never indulgent and songs like this need that length.

Psychonauts will know that beautiful drone-rock like this requires time, its not bish-bash-bosh and call it quits. That's a lazy mistake, but also it should never become boring, and Celestial Bums change course several times throughout this excellent sonic ride. 'I'm Alive' feels light mid-flight cruise control and is further proof they understand the genre; it creaks and groans with distortion towards the end. 'Captain Trembly' sounds like a kids TV character but he takes us on another interstellar voyage all the same. Finishing with 'The Starry Night' it actually feels as though a destination has been reached. The sounds are more relaxed and the atmosphere becomes even more expansive and dreamy. We can't wait for the return trip.



Celestial Bums' website

Stream or buy the EP





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