*. Noetics .*

Album: Delayed Back (2009)
Genre: Prog Rock (Psychedelic/Jazz/Exp.)  /  Germany

Noetics have released their third album an instrumental called Delayed Back which has allowed them to focus on their highly proficient musicianship. This is an album of diversity with tones of familiarity running through it. On initial listening Ozric Tentacles immediately sprang to mind, and is probably the best reference point, as Noetics mix up psychedelic, new age, jazz, dub, rock, electro, drum & bass and trance into very proficient and excellent soundscapes. Peninsolar contains some very interesting didgeridoo playing which is complimented by some exquisite synth passages, echo guitar work and precise drumming, giving the whole affair a world music feel with rock over tones. The rock guitar tones don’t stray to far for Vibrant Hydrant which is a more rock orientated track driven by the bass line supplied by Borchard, which is both powerful and commanding. Rumpankong has a dub, reggae feel with percussion galore, repeating guitar phrasing and beautiful melody. Rotterdub moves in the same arena as Rumpankong with a few more experimental approached tones, being more bass driven. Der Heikle Mann moves back to a rock approach with Wurster defining the pace of the track, Majewski’s guitar interjections are perfectly placed including some really nice rhythm work which cleverly layers a jazz tone into the passage. Dschungelgelot leads off with Borchard’s rhythmic bass line and Majewski adding more of those jazz tones and Schmidt supplying copious amounts of percussions. This is a very subtle but strong track which builds throughout its journey being a particular favourite of mine. Nukular has an electro approach with the synth and drum passages intertwining reminiscent of Tangerine Dream. Schinkenwurst Dub has the dub / reggae groove played throughout which just ambles along at its own laid back pace with no real sense of urgency. Grant Lump And The Elevator is a real bag of mixed mashing being a good example of how all the styles work together as a team. I love the pulsating drum and bass work here which gives it character. Santa Grinse soundscapes are rhythmic in approach with a stunning drum lead and subtle percussion work. Majewski and Borchard again add real depth and character to this track with Majewski weaving his phrasing around Borchard’s bass line and Wurster’ drum patterns are written all over it. Mahdrescher closes the album, climaxing from the foundations of what has been created before. It is experimental in approach with strong tones of dub, reggae and psychedelic trance thrown in for good measure. To use an analogy listening to this album is like baking a cake. The main ingredient having been added and mixed, the baker then adds that something special that gives it substance, flavour and texture. You know what cake it is, but with every bite you experience something slightly different with no two bites being the same. The hardest thing to do with this album is to define singularly. This is a layered and cleverly produced album which has had a lot of thought put into it. You will hear many differing styles thrown in for good measure in one passage alone, which you wouldn’t expect to work, but does! This is a very rewarding album to listen to. Review by "John O'Boyle" (www.dprp.net).

RATING:  7.75 / 10

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