Expo '70 — Black Ohms

Justin Wright's mostly one-man project Expo '70 had its beginnings in Los Angeles, prior to his relocation to Kansas City. Expo '70 was a World's Fair held in Suita, Osaka, Japan between March 15 and September 13, 1970. The theme of the Expo was "Progress and Harmony for Mankind." Could that be what Mr. Wright is shooting for through his recordings? It's hard to say for sure, but suffice it to say these recordings do have a sort of spiritual feel. There's a palpable sense of darkness and tension to be found in equal measure to the blissful elements, which makes for a nicely balanced listening experience.

The closest comparison that can be drawn would probably be Klaus Schultz or Cluster, as the Krautrock influence is very evident here. But it's not a carbon copy of anyone in particular, steering it well away from consideration as hollow pastiche. The fact the it's all improvised, yet entirely involving is impressive; Wright's instruments of choice are guitar and Moog, and he handles both duties with equal aplomb. If you didn't read the sleeve, you'd be hard pressed to tell whether these pieces were improvised or composed because the music is tightly constructed.

Wright's approach is different than the standard drone/ambient practitioner, and it makes for a pleasurable change of pace. That's because he goes from blissful or dark drone passages, to delay-guitar mind puzzles, to stately early Tangerine Dream-esque ambience with prog overtones without missing a step. The fact that these pieces are improvised seems to be the factor which pulls everything together; the music comes off as organic, disingenuous and devoid of pretense. From start to finish it's a winner, there's not a duff track to be found. It's got the depth required to keep you listening again and again, as there are plenty of mysteries revealed with each spin. Quite frankly it's miles better than most acts who are informed by the same influences, and the best thing I've heard so far on Beta-Lactam Ring Records, which is a pretty high recommendation.