Paradox (Dave Russell et al): Ecliptic

Dave Russell is back as Paradox the band! Russell is guitars, synths, and programming. Add in now, drums and Roland V-drums by Chris Anderton. Bass is Airfix. Flute and wind is Jazz Westwood. All traks again are Russell creations.

And right upfront, more trippy space rock and lots more guitar is evident on this release vs. Russell’s earlier effort, Paradox. This go round is a very strong echo of artists like Ozric Tentacles and Steve Hillage, with a dash of Hawkwind. No vox is used, just jams.

I tend to think of this type rock as an electrified raga to induce the whirling dervish mindspace and when slowed down a reggae dub. What sets it apart from raga or reggae is that a jazzy rock fusion soloing is included propellings psyche into a 20th-century artsy prog rock space. It is all a very intriguing head trip that Russell and friends immerse the listener into, into, into, into . . .

Russell has outdone himself on this one. If anyone out there was fortunate enough to ever obtain Neil Nappe’s July release on the defunct Audion label, they will really enjoy the cut, “Madrigal”! Last trak is a live cut featuring Kimtain Hawker on keys and synths. Russell wails on axe unencumbered with synth duties. Recommended to all Ozric Tentacles, Hillage, Hawkwind, Floyd and psych/ space rock lovers.

Cyberhome: http://www.dnarecords.cwc.net