Chemical Trance
Indica, 2020
8/10
Patrick Krief’s last album, Dovetale, wasted no time impressing me, and this follow up album continues his artistic vision with a firm leap into psychedelic territory that’s quite personal and was conceived to be one continuous listen.
“I Am The Pillar Of Darkness In Your Life” starts the listen with much attention to mood as indeed some dark ideas enter the indie-pop textured opener, and “I Love You Just The Same” follows with light keys and a dreamy quality in a baroque pop setting.
At the half way point, the title track finds a hazy place to reside with a mysterious feel, while “Svengali” burns slow with plenty of precise ambience. “The Light Between Your Eyes”, one of the album’s best, then booms loud with an almost prog-rock feel as guitar solos enter the grooving climate.
The albums ends strong, with the bare “Never Without You”, which points towards John Lennon influences, and “Gyp Million Star” exits the listen instrumental, with a minute of atmospheric manipulation.
This is the Canadian songwriter’s 6th album and it draws parallels to Pink Floyd, Radiohead or even The Beatles in their most adventurous time. Krief played the bulk of the instruments, with help on strings and brass, and it results in a very ambitious endeavor that settles in quite nicely on about the 3rd listen and holds your attention firmly.
Travels well with: The Building- Petra; Kate Tucker And The Sons Of Sweden- The Shape The Color The Feel