Loop return with eagerly anticipated fourth LP Sonancy (Latin for “to create noise”). It's the perfect document for these strange times. Dynamic, dystopian, righteously angry and unashamedly Loop-ian, it’s an album that marks a vital re-emergence for Hampson and co.
2001 release of what was the 2nd Älgarnas Trädgård album; originally recorded in 1973-1974, but never released (until this CD rescued these recordings from oblivion). Exact same lineup as witnessed on their epic debut from 1972. And what a fantastic offering…it slowly extends into meta-improvisations with distant guitars, heavily effected organs, swirling strings, plenty of space, reaching an early peak-build amidst the detritus floating through the 12-minute "Interstellar Cruise." Later, an Eastern-themed campfire freakout (sitars, tablas, Yod-chant) breaks out, then a bit of the mellow reverbed flute, later still a long vocal loop fade out over some well placed drones. One could say this record has a bit of everything.
On Out of the Loop, Randy and Michael Brecker stepped up to the plate with their second long-player of the '90s, 20 years after their first foray into the jazz-funk-fusion realm. The album is surprisingly strong, and any fears of a paint-by-numbers attempt to cash in on past glories are quickly dispelled with the opening "Slang," which is reminiscent of Amandla-era Miles. Here, as throughout the disc, Michael's sax solo burns with abandon, while brother Randy's trumpet glides across a tastefully smooth and melodic terrain.
Based in the Small City of Bauru in Brazil, Atomic Time completely breaks the mold with its experimental sound strongly influenced by Progressive rock and classical contemporary music. Their sound is incredibly peculiar, the result of a strong relationship between Pedro D’incao, (guitars) and Silvio Serra (drums) who have been playing together for a long time. This solid experience mixed with the infusion of new generations like the smoothness of Roger Lopez (vocals) and the rebellious Gabriel D’Incao, at the ever morphing keys. Though they are heavily influenced by bands such as King Crimson, Radiohead, Yes, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, you can completely identify they have a statement of their own…
Longpigs were swept up in the whole Britpop movement, yet they were somehow always more intelligent, more classy than their counterparts.