Review : LITMUS – “Aurora”

Litmus – “Aurora”
released August 18, 2009 on Rise Above Records

It’s way out retro 1970s space jam rock vibrations, dude! Imagine when Pink Floyd still had ‘The’ in their name, and psychedelic freakers abounded through England, inventing the rave-up and taking far too many drugs. Litmus channels this same energy, with the feel of both the bands to which Lemmy Kilmister is most closely associated: Hawkwind and Motörhead.

The keyboard is such an MVP in terms of continuity, its omnipresent undercurrent leading the listener past pulsars and planets. Repetition, especially with vocals, adds an entrancing layer across their audio galaxies. You’d think this would lapse into boring meanders, but their creative verve simply radiates (check the vibrant 4). It does lose its way in the “Red Skies” at the end, and 7 takes over five min to kick in (they’re in no Rush to fully establish mood), but by and large they know when to slack and when to reel in (observe the punkiness of 5 followed by the contemplative majesty of 6). Overall, the band has successfully avoided the sophomore slump with this exhilarating release, which gives promise to further epic creations.

FCC OK
Try 1, 2, 4, 5.

01. Beyond the Sun
02. In the Burning Light
03. Eos
04. Miles Away
05. Stars
06. Kings of Infinite Space
07. Ma:55°N Rift
08. Red Skies

Rating: