| The
Review |
There are some recordings that sort of grow on you or
you grow on it, as the case may be. Then there are some that
hit you like a ‘ton of bricks.’ Well the latest offering from
the Quebec band Spaced Out is definitely in the latter category.
From the CD’s first track “Unstable Matter” this collection
of progressive jazz rock fusion compositions just about sets
the house on fire. I mean the CD starts with a bang and just
does not let up. This is one exciting disc. ***
This is now the fourth studio recording from Spaced Out
and you can really hear the tightness of the group, which
by the way is now three members, including founder Antoine
Fafard (bass, guitars, keyboards), Martin Maheux (drums) and
Mark Tremblay (guitar). As in previous outings Fafard writes
and produces all the material, but you can tell these guys
like playing together. This style of music demands almost
a sixth sense about timing and each of the three displays
an uncanny ability to step in or step out at just the right
moment. ***
As on previous releases Fafard’s bass guitar is front
and center. It rumbles, it burbles, it zooms, it thumps, it
thunders, in fact the bass guitar does so much on this CD
it seems to be everywhere. But now you can add to that sound
Fafard’s additional guitar work. While Tremblay handles the
solos, it is Fafard’s additional fretwork that lends a thunderous
crunch to these 10 compositions. The energy level is really
intense with each piece having its share of rhythmic changes
and incredible sonic gymnastics. And yet, there are even times
where acoustic piano or acoustic guitar shines through providing
a bit of balance, some breathing room before the composition
just rockets off. Spaced Out’s music is a dynamic blend of
both the intellectual and the visceral. It’s complex, ever
changing patterns are laced with feeling and emotion. It’s
progressive rock with a powerful guitar edge that incorporates
equal amounts of jazz-rock, fusion, and symphonic elements
to satisfy even the most jaded of listeners. ***
There are 10 tracks on Unstable Matter, running to a
compact 46 minutes. Mixed in the group are two longer songs
at 6 and 8 minutes and some shorter ones as well. There’s
enough rock to grab your attention and enough complexity and
musicianship to hold your attention over repeated listening.
There isn’t a wasted second of music here. I’d say Spaced
Out have really nailed it on this one. Unstable Matter is
a winner. ***
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