Nov. 29/ 2009--Review of "Desert Opuses" in Peacedogman (thanks to Russ Cardona):
Rating: 3.5/ 5
"Not too long ago, we here @ Peacedogman were entranced when a group of guys collectively known as SOUVENIRS YOUNG AMERICA took us on a spirit walk through the deserts of the Southwestern U.S. Two years have passed since then, and a similar musical journey has presented itself courtesy of Winnipeg's HIGH WATT ELECTROCUTIONS. Those who were awestruck by SYA, or just love psychedelic stoner rock in general, will find themselves right at home with the layers upon layers of fuzzy guitar and keyboard ambience.
There are, however, some big differences between SYA and HWE. The main one, of course, is the setting: "Desert Opuses" is a concept album with a Middle Eastern theme. Now when we say there's a theme, we don't mean that they beat listeners over the head with it like the dudes from NILE. There are, however, plenty of strong reinforcements of the theme, such as the eclectic rhythms of "Ode to Snakecharming" and the sitar drone of "Light at the Speed of Sound." Also, unlike presenting listeners with 15-minute epics with gradual crescendos, these compositions are at much more manageable lengths, giving them more opportunities to present different moods (the piano-heavy, DECORYAH-sounding "Headphone Opus" versus the crunchy riffs of "Tut will Have His Revenge") and less of a chance of scaring away casual listeners. Finally, "Desert Opuses" is only nearly an instrumental album. Now before your brain explodes, let us explain. The scant vocals on this album are heavily processed and barely intelligible, effectively making them as much of an instrument as the guitar or synth. Still, the PINK FLOYD-inspired harmonies of "March of the Pharaohs" and "Slow March" help make their compositions both memorable and unique.
The only real gripe about this album is the few spots where the band strays a bit too far from the album's theme. The modern elements do keep things fresh, but moments like the harmonica on "The Ruins of the Pyramids" and "Stripped Ruins" sound far more reminiscent of our own deserts. This is a pretty miniscule grievance, though, considering all the thought and effort that went into this album as a whole. It's no surprise, then, that the band strongly recommends that listeners use headphones in order to properly soak everything in. Not a bad idea, but folks who may not have that luxury should still be able to experience "Desert Opuses" and not be left with a dry taste in their mouths."
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