Ax Ox

ロシア・ペルミを拠点とするエクスペリメンタル・ロック・バンド、GNOOMES の4THフル・アルバムがROCKET RECORDINGSよりヴァイナル・リリース!
ドリームポップや、エクスペリメンタル・エレクトロニクス、そして推進力のあるモータリックなグルーヴを融合させたクラウト・ポップは更に磨きがかかっています!

Self-described stargazers Gnoomes channel Krautrock, psychedelia, and techno, constructing propulsive, electro-shocked tracks that often resemble pop songs that have been launched into space. The bands fourth album was their most difficult to create, not only due to the COVID-19 pandemic but because of the ongoing war and political struggle in Russia, the bands home country. Ax Ox is Gnoomes first album to feature Russian lyrics, a conscious decision made by the band in order to show solidarity with their people, yet the music reaches for feelings that are universal. Tracks like "Ax Ox" and "The Neighbor" have speedy rhythms that seem to race headlong into the sun in search of a breakthrough, while "Loops" is a more jubilant tune with steady kick drums and levitating synth sequences. "Eternal Trans Siberian" is the albums Stereolab-inspired centerpiece, with crunchy guitars and glimmering organs propelling the songs hopeful, mystical vocals through the mountains. "Bristoled" is more relaxed but still busy, with cosmic effects swirling around heavy, Mo Wax-esque breakbeats. "Salted Caramel" is a disorienting burst of scrambled voices and industrial distortion, but the final song, "NST," has a gliding, easygoing groove and flanged vocal distortion as well as some truly warped guitars and keyboards. The album has its tense, panicked moments, but its largely an uplifting work that strives towards liberation and has positive energy to spare. ~ Paul Simpson