French psych/prog/space rock unit Alifie deliver big on their new album “Native Moon”.
The record begins with “I’m Not Here” which channels the spirits of “Dark Side” era Pink Floyd as ambient organ drones and a wandering bass line set the foundation for a truly epic song.
Things heat up around the six minute mark as surging guitar leads flourish alongside a steady driving groove before eventually returning to the lulling atmospheric stance where everything started. It’s an excellent opening number and one that sets the pace for what’s to come.
“Poor Unlucky File” starts out with a blast of frantic improvised noise that I love before shifting into a colorful, hypnotic psychedelic trance. Elegant guitars glide around a thriving beat to build a cosmic soundscape and a chaotic piano also comes in and out of the mix which is really awesome to hear. The level of musicianship in this song is truly off the charts as the band create a sound that’s locked in but with really exciting almost frantic movements happening underneath everything.
The sound of birds flow through the opening stretch of “Watch Out!!!” before things settle into an infectious rhythm as the tracks unique vocal delivery adds even more appeal, to what sounds like 20 different instruments coming in and out of the fold during this amazing composition. The piece moves through various moods and tempos throughout it’s course which continue into the equally as epic “Psychedelic Morning For The Soul”.
We wind things down with the spacey state of “Native Moon” which feels like a warm blanket of sound comforting you on a cold night before giving way to a more energetic stance as thunderous guitar chords and cathartic percussion ring out in fine form and eventually all filter into a brilliant wash of colorful sound.
Overall this album is a tremendous collection of stellar compositions by some of the most talented musicians you’ll find anywhere.
