| The album Tree Colored See is a wonderful collaboration between Nobody (better known as DJ Nobody) and the southern California band known as Mystic Chords Of Memory. Two prominent members of Mystic Chords Of Memory are Christopher Gunst (formerly of Beachwood Sparks) and Jen Cohen (the Aisler Sets). All the vocals are done by Christopher Gunst, so for fans of Beachwood Sparks, the album will have an immediate familiarity. With the addition of DJ Nobody’s remarkably refined hip hop beats the songs take on an added dimension and are quite a feast for the ears. DJ Nobody has said about the album, “think of the album in two parts, one side reflects the land and one side (second half) reflects the water,” which I didn’t get at first, but I did prefer the second half of the album and then I remembered that I am a pieces, so maybe DJ Nobody was on to something there. The first half has less beats and has a stronger meditative vibe to the songs, a bit more psychedelic feel if you will, along with folk meets alt.country influences. At times some of the tracks sounded close to the folktronica music that bands like Tunng does so well. Highlights of the first half would be “Decisions, Decisions,” “Broaden A New Sound,” and “Coyote’s Song (If You Hear It Too).” “Broaden A New Sound” would be my favorite track of the first half, due to the smooth as silk drum beats and synth lines (similar to what you would hear on Air’s Moon Safari) with the wonderful vocals of Christopher Gunst. Some of the highlights of the second half would be “When The End Meets The Beginning,” (has those irresistible wah guitar effects that was so pleasing on Luna’s Bewitched album) and “Feet Upon The Sand,” which has a mind blowing amount of different sounds. Everything from flutes to elegant guitar feedback to fat drum beats to great vocals all blend in perfectly to make one of the best songs of the year. Hopefully this album won’t be a one shot deal and Nobody & Mystic Chords of Memory will work together again for another album. This is one amazingly smooth album. - Luna Park 6 |
1XLP/Out Of Print