Grade: 4/5
Album: The Black Lodge
Artist: Musterion
Style: Rock Alternative
Musterion, hailing from the Czech Republic [sic!], has created an album of soundscapes branching out of the darkwave style. While most tracks may not be considered songs in the traditional sense, each has a way of creating a mood or story and have an almost visual quality. The Black Lodge has a cohesive and narrative form linking the songs, really taking the listener on a journey, one may assume, into the mind and seems to draw from the darker and more primal recesses. Simon AA Kolle, responsible for "mix, music and sounds," has coupled the release with a booklet reflecting the emotions of the music and shedding a bit of light on his influences and intentions.
"Third Man" gives the impression of an altered state or dream sequence. Using sound effects like screams and a typewriter, Musterion lays the groundwork for a murder scene. The music in this track sneaks out of the sound effect pad beginning with bass and adding a contrapuntal piano line. "Visit In Tibet" takes the listener inside a temple and has an air of ancient ritual. Complex frame drum rhythms and a haunting synthesizer move along under chanting instruments. The feeling is dark, damp and tranquil.
The Black Lodge is not a record with hit songs or sing-alongs. It is, however, a listening experience challenging preconceptions of what music is. Kolle makes special reference in his accompanying booklet to Allen Ginsburg, Jack Kerouac, H.P. Lovecraft and William S. Burroughs as people who attempted to push the limits of literature and surrealist thought. Musterion, in the beat tradition, has recorded a stream of consciousness, and challenges the listener to open the mind and follow along in the journey.
Written By: Jeff Brown