Rating: 9/10
This Other Kingdom have garnered a reputation as Ireland’s finest psychedelic export following the release of their debut LP Telescopic in April 2015. Following a string of electrifying live shows and the announcement of partnering up with Wrong Way Records, the release of Rêveur on Friday is hotly anticipated. Released on stunning orange vinyl with purple splatter, as well as CD and download, this is one for collectors.
They burst to prominence in early 2014 with the release of EP Sunlight, which attracted much attention to the band preluding the release of Telescopic, which reached the Top 10 in the iTunes and Irish chart.
Comprised of twelve tracks, we begin the journey with ‘Common Colours // Common Sounds’, a plucky guitar number with dark undercurrents and empowered vocal prowess courtesy of front man Del Kerton. ‘Eye Do Eye’ instantly ramps up the tempo, with rhythmic drumming from Chris Sweeney drawing focus before the dual vocal harmonies swoon melodically. ‘Telescopic State of Mind’ is a nod back to their past yet in turn showcases how far they have progressed as a band, with a more embodied sound.
‘Comatosed’ with its entrancing guitar riff from Declan Dunne, eerily reminiscent of the infamous ‘Psychedelic Pill’ by Neil Young, is the one to dance along too and it’s easy to hear why this has been chosen as the lead track from the album. ‘Chemikle’ continues this theme, with the addition of deep vocals and an empowered rhythm section.
‘Rays for Days (When the Sun Did Shine) and ‘Hellion’ work in perfect unison to create dreamy, shimmering Californian coast vibes, similar to those invoked by the likes of Asteroid No. 4. ‘Morning Skies’ sees the continuation of this theme with a floating guitar riff, fading in and out of consciousness, accompanied by evocative lyrics and a rolling drum pattern. A simplistic track in terms of its composition but one delivered with such passion and elegance it is breathtakingly beautiful, with Del’s vocals channelling Jim Morrison at his best, and that can never be a bad thing.
‘नई दिल्ली सात’ calls on Eastern inspirations to produce an instrumental, table infused, drone laced interlude before ‘Valley of Nowhere’ ranks up the tempo once more with fuzzy guitar, a buoyant rhythm and a motorik drum beat. ‘This is War’ is chosen to conclude the album with a moody continence generated by a deep bass line and lyrics shrouded in darkness. An overall different feel prevails to the rest of the album and displays to full effect exactly what this band are capable of.
This Other Kingdom are honing and refining their sound with every rotation, mutating into a tour de force and with its luring vocals tones, inspired guitar assonance and charged rhythms this LP is for anyone who likes modern psychedelia whilst treasuring strong ties to sounds of the past.
Telescopic made a significant impression on the industry, but Rêveur is set to eclipse that and raise This Other Kingdom to loftier heights.
Order the album here: https://wrongwayrecords.bandcamp.com
