Album Review: Sonic Taboo - Sonic Taboo (2020)
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| Picture Credit: Sonic Taboo Artwork: Matt Wilkins |
Sonic Taboo - Sonic Taboo
Release: May 29, 2020
(vinyl version to be released in October 2020)
Label: Fuzzy Cracklins
Format: Vinyl/CD/Digital
Length: 34:30
Genre: Instrumental Psychedelic Rock / Space Rock
Origin: New York (New York), USA
Wow, it has been some time since I last featured some Psychedelic or Space Rock on this page! Did you miss it, too?
Good thing, today we're listening to New York City's trio Sonic Taboo and their selftitled debut album. CD and digital version have been avalaible for some time. Vinyl lovers will have to wait until autumn when the 12'' version of the album will be distributed via Fuzzy Cracklins.
Somewhere between motorcycles, skateboards and the Statue of Liberty Andre Deko (drums), Fernando Menechelli (bass) and Paolo Cassio (guitar) founded Sonic Taboo in 2018. Although this combination sounds likely to be the offspring of either kick-ass Punk Rock or Blues-laden Rock'n'Roll, Sonic Taboo rather play mid-tempo psychedelic and fuzzy tunes.
Yet, the element of liberty has a strong impact on Sonic Taboo's debut. Considering, the sound can clearly be called Psychedelic or Space Rock, it is very atypical. Meaning, it is not the classic scoring of consciousness-expanding trips. The psychedelic experience on this album is soft but omnipresent instead. I have never been in the States, but media has taught me to imagine riding on the highway to be a feeling that I can relate to what I experience when listening to Sonic Taboo.
Another way to describe it is that Sonic Taboo play Psychedelic Rock for the road or for motion instead of focussing on their audience to waver in trance. Maybe fans of Berlin's WEDGE can relate. Also, the term Space Rock might have a different meaning than is mostly has. Except for the opening track 'Mars' the band does not discover the universe. Unlike bands such as The Spacelords or Sonic Trip Project, Sonic Taboo redefine the term 'Space'. It's about the space we can explore on our own planet by riding through countryside or desert - and speaking of which, yes I can spot a certain Desert Rock influence on the album, too. Listen to the song 'Emotional Haze' (video below) and you will understand what I mean.
Sonic Taboo's debut album is autochthonous, unique and highly versatile. I kind of wish it was a bit longer than just 34 minutes, but it's one of the albums you can easily listen to on repeat. The chequered soundscapes make you discover new details every time you re-listen. Amazing, what versatility the minimalist line-up of drums, bass and guitar can create.
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