THE MOVEMENTS (For Sardines Space Is No Problem) CD
Behind the somewhat strange album titel lies an interesting story which inspired the Swedish band THE MOVEMENTS to record their second album, released in 2009 by Sulatron Records. It's the true story about the Swedish astronaut Christer Fuglesang who travelled to space in 2009 with shuttle Discovery STS-128. The album is named after the motto that Fuglesang's astronaut class at NASA had during their education. I find that is an unusual and well-defined idea. Therefore, it is obvious that THE MOVEMENTS offers an album of space rock mingled with kraut rock and psychedelic music. Of course, Hawkwind are counted among the list of influences, but also bands like Can or The 13th Floor Elevators. This album is a fine balance of space rock and sixties psychedelia, but let's go through all eight songs.
The album begins with 'A Birth Under The Northern Sky', where the band has set Fuglesang's birth to music in a lovely way. At the beginning of the next song 'Mother, Some Day I'm Going To Be An Astronaut' a young boy shouted that very title and the band unfolds a wild and trippy storm, full of sound effects but they doesn't overuse it. It's a pretty straightforward song and everything matches very good. The direction shifts a bit with 'In The Footsteps Of Gagarin'. There are hypnotic organ patterns accompanied by excellent free-form guitar work as well as the typical trippy f/x. Once again this track is almost instrumental. Another change of mood follows with 'Trapped On Earth' where the band enters the regions of sixties psychedelic rock. That is one of my favourite tracks here and it truly makes me feel like I'm floating somewhere in outer space! 'Go Now My Friend (Out Into Space)' is much quieter than all previous songs comparable to a mantra that soothes the soul.
The same can be said about the next track 'That Is The Wrong Bolt Christer, Standby' where they have integrated some nice samples from Fuglesang's journeys into space. Furthermore, the song title proves that THE MOVEMENTS have a keen sense of black humor. The trip continues with 'Ministers Of Space' that is driven by a repetitive rhythm, whereas the flute adds a folky 60's vibe to the song. This impression is reinforced with the last track named 'The Grasp Of The Kings' Hand Is Not Enough', up to the point where it turns into a heavy monster with quotes from early King Crimson. I recommend buying the album as long as you like space and/or psychedelic rock. THE MOVEMENTS have managed to record an album that is based on creativity, humor and intelligence.
(KK)