Description
Birth evolved from Astra, whose two albums for Rise Above Records 2009rsquos lsquoThe Weirdingrsquo and 2012rsquos lsquoThe Black Chordrsquo had already reinvented classic sonic textures and mindmelds in lucid and intoxicating style. Conor Reilly and Brian Ellis nonetheless found themselves seeking out new life and new civilisations. Initially this led to a collaboration with Psicomagiarsquos Trevor Mast and Paul Marrone, although later Marrone while he does play on lsquoBornrsquo was replaced by Thomas DiBenedetto of Sacri Monte, Joy and Monarch as sparks began to fly in earnest.The result has been a debut which combines a questing spirit with a dystopian take on the here and now. Musically, whilst traces canbe discerned of the dark and magisterial King Crimson of lsquoRedrsquo herein, as well as the yearning cadences of early Yes and the deliriouscontortions of Van Der Graaf Generator, a whole host of influences made their presence felt in these mournful cadences, joyful solo passages and kinetic freakouts, from 70s mainstays like Aphrodites Child, Premiata Formeria Marconi and Area to the primitive folk of Robbie Basho and the symphonic soundtrack work of Osanna. Yet far from the trappings of retro chic and fashionaligned classicism, these five celestial serenades stake their claim in a different headspace to most other exponents of the form. Certainly, itrsquos true that many of the audial shapes manifesting themselves here the exploratory jazzrock diversions, Mellotron and Hammondabetted textures and the rich melancholia of the songwriting may recall moments from progressive rockrsquos past and the listener may be forgiven for losing themselves in a gatefoldsleeved reverie.Nonetheless, this is a band which was thrown into life via the constrictions and temporal shifts of a global pandemic, as well as one which has largely set about chronicling a reality in which the surrounding world appears to be hurrying its own demise. Alchemical forces have done their considerable work with lsquoBornrsquo, in creating an uplifting album for the ages, 42 minutes in which past, present and future are blurred an album haunted by earthly concerns even whilst its sonics aim for the stars.