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The Movements

Like Elephants 2

Written by: PP on 04/03/2014 22:09:52

I remember checking out The Movements on their 2011 compilation album "Follow", which was basically a garage rock record strongly flavored with an introverted indie rock expression. They've since then taken a drastic shift sound wise, leaving the simplistic realms of garage rock far behind on "Like Elephants 1" that was released during the fall last year. It's companion album, "Like Elephants 2", continues along the same path which has seen the Gothenburg unit dive head first into the world of psychedelic rock and experimental music.

Gone are the simplistic garage rock riffs, replaced with hypnotic flutes, heavy usage of effects pedals, sitar-like instrumentation, and dreamy, floaty vocal work that takes you straight back to the 70s era in rock music. These are then accompanied with soulful guitar solos, and plenty and plenty of slide guitar to create an authentic vibe to fit the era. They've done themselves a favor, because they were honestly not that great at the whole garage rock thing despite having a couple of catchy songs. So by removing the pop element almost altogether and focusing on writing richly textured songs that are most of all about songwriting rather than about writing a strong chorus, they've ensured that people who listen to music for music's sake rather than as an emblem of pop culture or as pure entertainment will stick like glue to their new sound. Its soundscapes have depth and intellectualism attached to them, but even so the songs never become overtly intricate, at least not more than they need to be. The 70s style vocal croons in "Give It To Me" are a perfect example of a song being great despite not resorting to simple verse chorus structure.

As a whole, "Like Elephants 2" is absolutely a quality pair of headphones type of an album. The expansive space rock soundscapes and immersive psychedelia need to be experienced in a setting that allows the music to engulf its listener for best effect. I fear that a standard 2-set speaker setup won't do it, but with great headphones or with surround sound the album truly comes to life - retro fans will find loads to like here.

Download: Winter's Calling, Like Elephants 2, Six Feet Under, Give It To Me
For the fans of: Vibravoid, Sula Bassana, The Asteroid #4
Listen: Facebook

Release date 07.03.2014
Crusher Records