It’s always hard to do justice in writing to something that should be listened to – I ought to know as I spend my time doing it – so I commend Kosmodome’s stiff attempt to describe their own music: “Kosmodome’s rock is riff-based with stoner elements placed in a progressive universe. The music has an explosive drive in which the melodious contrasts the hard and heavy”. Unfortunately this dry, rather academic summary did little to whet my appetite, but my fellow writer’s review of their self-titled debut album in 2021 did suggest that this band has something interesting to offer, as I was about to learn.
The album gets off to a clean, jazzy, funky vibe. It’s oh so 1970s. “Neophobia”, the song in question, has compelling melody but lovely instrumental lines, a strong structure, psychedelic sounds and a stand-out chorus which recalled Steven Wilson in its delivery. Yes, there are the “stoner elements placed in a progressive universe” but this is a vibrant song which bursts with personality and life in its 1970s way. I was hooked and wanting more. The stoner-like style gives off a faint odour of an American TV theme tune. The lyrics are not to be messed with: ”Just like photosynthesis I need the sun to flourish”, pronounces the vocalist at one point. The lyrics are like an ethereal prog message and are worthy of attention in themselves, and almost paradoxically fit beautifully into these overtly colourful and sunny songs. For added bonus, “Hyperion” takes off into profound prog, but in the fresh style of Kosmodome to which I was now becoming accustomed.
“Is this a confession, or is this what you want to hear?”, starts “Obsternasig” (Obstinate). It’s a reflective, emotive piece but the power of the words is reinforced by the dazzling display of retro prog instrumentals and the multi-coloured structure of the song. The little hook keeps coming back and the song ends with it, making sure it sticks in our mind but in a good way. Seeing the title “Dystopia” made me think that the feel-good factor which Kosmodome have done so well to cultivate might disappear. Well no, because off they launch into an airy little number. The tone deepens but this is the development of the song. Kosmodome don’t stand still. They know how to make intricate instrumental patterns, which is their forte, sound simple. They are a vehicle for the singer’s messages, such as: “Are we too consumed by our busyness to see the world clearly, we work like machines, we follow strict routines …”. This itself is followed by a magical guitar passage, which had me purring with pleasure. “Turmoil” starts with the rhythm of a rock track. After a few words, the song develops a funky psychedelic feel. For once I thought the lyrics were squeezed in but then I’d been spoilt because so far they had been immaculate. Another multi-coloured but not overstated instrumental passage follows. Where prog musicians can be guilty of exaggeration and hyperbole, with Kosmodrome this is not the case. Everything sits very nicely. After a sample featuring a female voice – another interesting injection – this complex song ends with a final funky psychedelic vibe. Subtly Kosmodome have introduced darker tones in their music through the album, culminating in the slower accompaniment to “Fatigue”. But once again the buzzing rhythm and melody in which this band specialises come through, and we are treated to a dazzling display of instrumental sophistication and dexterity. The song progresses forward Opeth-like, accompanied by gentle cosmic waves. Even when quiet the rhythm is subtle and suggestive. The album ends as luxuriously as it began.
“Ad Undas” may be like a time warp in its core styles but it really doesn’t matter when the movement, creativity and quality of musicianship are as accomplished as this. This album exudes intelligence. It’s magical to listen to. The themes may be dark but as an album “Ad Undas” brought me joy.
(9/10 Andrew Doherty)
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