The Operation of the Sonne

The pioneering New Zealand group hints at mysticism on this outing, and such sentiments channeled through guitars, bass, and drums makes for a compelling listen through two side-long suites of corrosive feedback and swaying slow-motion rhythm. is like a hybrid of 's -- for all its paranoia -- fused with the metric propulsion of begin this scorching set with a collage of overdriven synth and pulsating sine waves accompanying a deadpan vocal courtesy of guitarist . By the closing suite on side two, the twin guitars of and are interlocked into wavering feedback tendrils that float over an almost funky rhythmic network provided by drummer . The trio levitates into one of the most hypnotic jams of its '90s recordings, and this passage is elating for the fact that it appears to grow out of nowhere. How infrequently such inspired is caught on record. From a group that specializes in such freeform strategies, this is a highly recommended chapter in 's vast discography. ~ Skip Jansen