MOONBABIES - We're Layabouts EP

Too bloody right! "June and Novas" was one of the outstanding releases of 200, ending up in our Top 19 of the year, causing endless quantities of drool to emanate over review notes. And now its nearly 2002. How could you treat us so badly? We thought you cared:-(

5 tracks, 2 from this year, 2 from last year, and 1 dredged up from 1995. Not exactly overload is it, especially with the title track being lifted from the album, even though it is a remix. But its worth it. Even "Blue" the decrepit old 4 track recording from 95 is achingly beautiful, winsome and bleak. Of the new tracks, "Olympian Heights" manages to make programming seem like the best thing ever! Beats and synths finally put to good use.

But the killer is "Happy When Smile", where the Moonbabies return from the experimental edge of "Cherry Blossoms" and "Olympian Heights" to the psychedelic pop songs that make them such a joy. A re-recording of an old, old Moonababies number, this glistening sound perfectly meshes Olas vocals with a background loop of Carinas vocals to make the good great. My one complaint? Ninetten minutes isn't nearly enough:-) Buy now.

http://www.moonbabiesuniverse.com/
Duckweed Records 2442 NW Market Street #354, Seattle, WA, USA 98107

KROM LEK - Collective Conscious (Stone Premonitions)

I nearly had a dodgy turn there. Another Krom Lek CD! How much bogerido can one person take? But what we have here is a compilation, a look back, a retrieval from the archives running from 1985 - 1995.

Fortunately, not much changes in the world of Krom Lek. Picture if you will a mixture of psychedelia, space rock, Celtic rhythms and aboriginal influences. Its classic festival rock mixing up Ozric Tentacles, Gong (Hillage era) and the ever masterful Hawkwind.

You get space guitars, tribal percussion, and a hint of Dead like jamming. Thankfully, things always stay rooted in the song. "Secrets Of The Maze" is a particular highlight along with "The Sun Shines Through" which has a superb percussive rhythm. Our special best new friend is the scarily titled, but remarkable "Earth Jam" which is the spaciest track on offer. Large bonuses all round with a special shout out to Tonksy whose flautist contributions are very special.

Available on-line at http://www.the-rocker.co.uk
http://www.stonepremonitions.co.uk/

BLAUBAC - Surprisingly Pleasant EP (Moth)

I know what you're thinking. That Z has gone and had another funny turn. Either that or Z thinks that no-one pays attention. That is why Z can review Blaubac twice in 3 weeks. Instead of writing a new review Z can simply recycle an old one, turn the sentences around and pretend it's a new review. Either that or Z can write about how this is the second time in 3 weeks that Blaubac have been reviewed, instead of actually writing a review. But that would be too obvious. Damn you, the reader, and your annoying habit of sussing Z out, and the odd 3rd person narrative.

Blaubac are good. What you get is an ambient electronic experiment that takes on the appearance of a warm, human sound, yet remainining just out of reach. Bordering on the edges of too clever, sometimes thinking about dipping a toe over, but teetering on the edge. "Flicker Noise" is the essential selection as mixmeister zee would say, the beats are assured, the presentation is elegant, and Z can foresee the day when Blaubac become the chilled out noise of choice. Most defiantly recommended.

http://www.mothrecords.co.uk/
people@mothrecords.co.uk
Moth Records, PO Box 20459, London SE17 3WN, UK