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Sianspheric, "The Sound of the Colour of the Sun"

Canadian space rock ensemble Sianspheric have been making music since1994, despite several key line-up changes that might make lesser bandsthrow in the towel.
Founding guitarist Paul Sinclair left the group in1996, after their first major tour, and four shows into their touropening for Swervedriver, bassist Steve Peruzzi disappeared. Undaunted,the band continued, and with the return of Sinclair recorded this,their third proper LP. The return of Sinclair has truly rejuvenated theband, as "Sound" is the most cohesive and striking release Sianspherichas ever put to tape. True, if you don't much like space rock, fuzzyguitar, vocals you can hardly hear, lots of delay, or Sianspheric,chances are this release will not floor you. But if you have even amild like of any of those things, this release is definitely for you.Gorgeous melodies abound, like on "To Myself" and"Childrenrunningthroughovergrowntallgrass," and most songs on therecord take what seems like an inordinately long time to reach an apex.Once the track climaxes, though, it's worth it. Sianspheric are alsothe first candidate for my new phrase, "pulling a Mogwai," where on"Tous Les Soirs" ("all the nights") everything starts off quietlyenough before punishing your ears for daring to listen. In fact, thequiet pretty moments are almost in abundance here, more so than on anyother Sianspheric release. It's easy for bands to attempt this soundand fail miserably. Happily, Sianspheric's success in the pastculminates in this roster and album. Another fine release from a bandthat could have imploded but stuck it out.

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