酩酊 Paralytic

I think psychedelia benefits greatly from a creative use in panning. Not just creative but in a way that builds a soundscape that truly entrances the listener. On this record they do just that, and its brilliant. I've always felt that panning has been underutilized, especially in certain genres. It has such good potential to be pure earcandy if done correctly.

I have tried many times to get into psychedelia and it never ended up striking me as actually transcedental or trippy like I thought it would. Given I don't know the history of the genre, so what I think it is compared to what its intended to be are probably vastly different. Along with what I've heard from the genre being completely uninteresting to me, drifting without any payoff. Anyways my point is that the genre has let me down a bunch. This record however, is a testament to my expectations of what psychedelia ought to be. Its got all the trippy werid shit and on top of that an atmosphere that thrives in the amazing drum work and panning present on it.

Not once was my attention too averted enough to distract myself from the music. The soundscapes suck you in and all you can do is just bathe in its spectacle of its sound. I think my favorite aspect about this album other than the panning has got to be the prog rock direction they went with it. It blends so well with the psychedelia. The bass work is great for furthering the atmosphere and building the immersion too. The first track, "浮遊する真空" or "Floating Vaccum" has elite panning and mixing. It creates a space that has tons of motion while still keeping you totally enveloped in the song.

This record label, Ufo creations, is actually so underrated. I have found countless gems on their bandcamp like the Suishou no Fune live album which is damn near a masterpiece imo. If you fw improv, Psychedelia or underground noise rock its definitely worth checking out. Not trying to sound like I'm sponsored by the label or something btw cuz I'm not lol, theres genuinely some hidden gems on their bandcamp imo.

Overall this album is a phenomenal piece of psychedelia and prog rock. The longer 10 minute tracks feel like they go by so fast because of how effective the soundscapes/production is put together. Very immersive and impressive. Loved it! :]

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Favorite tracks: All!

Least favorite: None