Von Himmel - Self Titled [Donkey Disc - 2008]Von Himmel self titled album offers up three long slices of rough ‘n’ ready space jam haphazard jazz rock tracks that are encrusted synth and organ weaves/ groans. Often having the feeling like it’s been hooked from deep space covered with space barnacles,ect. Sadly after searching on the net I can’t find who or what the project consists of though this seems to be the one and only release thus far on the great entitled Donkey Disc records. Through out the disc I can pick up organ and synth textures, flute and possible sitar or other ethnic instrument licks and drones, along with wondering bass and guitar work that’s though haphazard works perfectly with-in the vibe of the album and muffled drums again that seem to shift, judder and stumble along there way. First up we have the track Lunar Meditation which opens up with a mix of wavering organ, possible sitar and guitar drones, with solo guitar pick out spacey or drowsy surf licks over the top and lots of cymbal shimmer- all to give the feeling of slowly growing if shambolic movement, with later on the drums kick in lose rhythm and things start to fire-up. Next Space Mantra opens with wooden vibe like tones, feedback hum and distant flute stagers before the guitar pokes it’s way in with an insistent if wondering and lazy rhythm from the drums with the rest of the track forming into a pressing spaced if a little drunken rock groove. Lastly we have Skylark which is a sinisterly space bound collection of synth and organ atmospheric tone builds, accelerating and drifts- this feels through still a little haphazard much more classy and vast like you’ve finished your journey on a ramshakled spacecraft and now your investigating the strange new world that you’ve landed on. A nice spaced ambient end to the album. An album that seems to gloriously career on in lo-fi charm like an enjoyable yet wobbled set sci-fi film that you cant seem to tear your self away from. Go to Donkey Discs Sparse home base for more info here Roger Batty
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