RECOVERED: Litmus Have a Universe with Your Name on It
They?re based in the UK, but there?s really no telling where planet-hopping space rockers Litmus might end up in or out of this feebly-armed galaxy by the end of their third album, Aurora, and where they might take you likewise. Their second album on Rise Above Records (2004?s You are Here came out on aptly-named Space Records), Aurora follows the mellotronned spirit of 2007?s Planetfall, but delves even further into an unmined quarry of retro prog and Hawkwindy sonicspheres.
?Beyond the Sun,? ?Miles Away,? ?Stars? and album highlight ?Kings of Infinite Space? let you know Litmus are interested in distance and journey, and their music follows suit, with delicately composed — but heavy — progressions of technically complex riffs and rhythms. The multiple vocals of drummer Marek, guitarist Fiddler and bassist Martin work in tandem to affect a ?70s-style harmonized patchwork, enhanced on record by liberal reverb and backed by the already noted mellotron and other psychedelic swirlings of resident noisemaker Anton and keyboardist Oli. With these two members focused entirely on ambience around the traditional power trio, Litmus bravely rock their way into a difficultly navigated asteroid field on ?In the Burning Light? while floating through the outer reaches of anti-gravity with ?Eos? only minutes later, allowing for twists sound-wise for which other bands simply aren?t equipped.
Putting this release in context with Rise Above?s recently-issued Astra debut, The Weirding, the label seems pretty bent on fostering a movement of intricate retro prog rock, which, provided there?s a consistency of quality and the whole sound doesn?t get watered down with imitators and Proggy Comelatelys — almost inevitable — could be a really good thing. Aurora shines brightly for the time being, though, and Litmus give this dimension the solid kick in the ass it so desperately needs. Fans of the band will be pleased and though the combined 22 minutes of closing duo ?Ma55on Rift? and ?Red Skies? might put off tentative newcomers, those who take the time to immerse themselves in Aurora — even if it takes more than one session to get through it — will be suitably rewarded.
