Subarachnoid Space - Almost Invisible

Released
1997

Label
Relapse Records

Reviewed by
Michael C. Lund

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Last Edit/Update
15 February, 1998

Subarachnoid Space

ALMOST INVISIBLE

Track Listing

1. Shut Inside
2. Hidden Outside
3. Floating Above The Skyline
4. Below Any Border
5. Outlined In Rust
6. Calm Fever

          Subarachnoid Space has recorded three CDs of live material, the latest of which is compiled from two concerts held in California during the fall of 1996. Almost Invisible has been released on Relapse Records, who will also issue Subarachnoid Space's first studio recorded album in the near future. The four-piece band utilizes the traditional rock 'n roll instruments of drums, bass and guitars, but their sound is everything except standard. The six extended tracks on Almost Invisible are all darkly atmospheric instrumental pieces of a developmental character. Every pedal in the book is employed to generate the rich soundscapes on the album, there is a considerable amount of shoegazing being exercised on the parts of the guitarists, and the drumming is therapeutic in its intensity.
          The first four tracks on Almost Invisible were recorded at Ptomaine Temple in Oakland, California on November 9, 1996. Fluid transitions bridge the pieces, and in that sense they constitute one continuous program of music. "Shut Inside," which opens the CD is a particularly strong piece. Beautiful, howling guitar thematics and subtle percussions with many caresses of the cymbals dominate the piece. The background is filled in with a steady current of vibrating bass drone and strange guitar ruminations. "Hidden Outside" continues the general sound and mood of "Shut Inside," although the drums are more dominant, and the lead guitar has a rolling, hollow quality to it.
          The percussions are even more dynamic and prominent on the third track "Floating Above The Skyline." Again, this piece features eminent guitar work that soars and swirls around the other elements in the music, with crashing, reverberating drones once more constituting the backdrop. Towards the end, the guitars subside to a subtle ringing that carries over into the last, and longest, piece of the set -- "Below Any Border." From a quiet, melancholy beginning, this closing piece builds to a crescendo of crashing drums and driving guitar themes. Slowly ebbing out, the appreciation of the audience becomes audible, reminding the listener that the past thirth minutes of spacious sound has actually been a live recording.
          The last two tracks on the CD were performed live at Spaceland in Los Angeles on October 8, 1996. The sound, style and atmosphere of the music similar to that of the first four tracks. "Outlined In Rust," at eighteen minutes, is the longest track on Almost Invisible, and again Subarachnoid Space delivers a virtuoso performance with many subtle shifts and changes throughout the piece. The relatively short final track -- "Calm Fever" -- departs somewhat from the rest of the material on the CD by being faster and more upbeat, ending in a powerful drum solo.
         In general the music of Subarachnoid Space is both relaxing to listen to, but also invites the listener to get involved in the intricate, evolving patterns of the arrangements. It will be interesting to see what this band can produce in the studio.

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