Cribbing stylistic traits from the psychedelic and progressive rock bands of yore, the Lemon Clocks are as creative and exciting as the artists they reference.
Consisting of vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Jeremy Morris, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Stefan Johannson and multi-instrumentalist Oscar Granero, the trio continues their sonic sojourn with their fourth full-length studio album, Between Time and Space, which has been released on the Rock Indiana label.
Atmospheric vocals, relaying messages of faith, hope and encouragement, direct the imaginatively engineered cuts on the collection. Compared to previous Lemon Clocks albums, Between Time and Space tends to favor softer and subtler tones. But make no mistake: There is still enough power and volume here to crush craniums and shake walls.
A becoming blend of acoustic guitars and chiming electric guitars, accompanied by engaging keyboard arrangements and paralyzing melodies primarily portray the form and feel of this material.
Strummy acoustic guitars set atop a ghostly ambience, peppered with cosmic sound effects are heard on the Pink Floyd-ish “Lost In a Dream,” and “The Seventh Wave” dispenses washes of wiggy synthesizer squeals punctuated with bursts of hard-hitting chords and rhythms. Sweeping synthesizer swells further flatter the meditative title track, rippling with a Moody Blues-inspired elegance.
Narrated in a whispery pitch, the sleepy-paced “White Horse” resembles an ancient chant, while both “What’s a Happening?” and “Everybody Wants Some More” stomp and swagger to the beat of heavy garage-rock reflexes. A run of freaky “Eight Miles High”-influenced guitar riffage pops up on “Don’t Stop the Dream,” where “The Open Mind” additionally rings and radiates with psychedelic-slanted Byrds moves.
As confirmed by Between Time and Space, the Lemon Clocks are skilled shapeshifters. The band thrives on experimentation, and their enthusiasm for the music they play is infectious. Designed to transport listeners to other-worldly realms, Between Time and Space teems with mystical and magical moments.
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