Acid Rooster has been exploring many directions on their previous releases. Their self-titled debut was a darker and heavier space rock for the most part. Irrlichter lightened up a bit while Ad Astra went full-on ambient space rock. Flowers & Dead Souls hits many different styles and emotions and was recently released by Tonzonen (EU), Cardinal Fuzz (UK), and Little Cloud (USA) in a few different variants. “Sound Of Illusion” kicks off the release with a slow burner of an improvised jam with a steady bassline, fuzz guitar, and some whirling electronics and pedal work. “On The Run” follows with its quicker motorik beat augmented by plenty of phasing and other effects. “Schattenspiel” has an odd approach with its heavy electronic bassline and flanged twangy western guitar style. “Dead Bodies is a bit of a rocker that maintains a bit of that Western style of a much stronger beat and pace. It’s almost a touch of surf rock at times. “Good Mourning” reigns things in again with a jammy, improvised feel. The album closes with the lengthy “Heaven Scent,” which kicks off with swirling spacey keyboards and a slower pace for an open and dreamy space rock. I was definitely a fan Ad Astra, and this tune really hits on those same notes and, at least in my opinion, is their wheelhouse.
This is a really solid record that sees the band hitting on all phases. There is a complexity to their approach that never crosses the border of overindulgence or excess. It’s never just about volume and fuzz as much as it is about the interplay of the music and effects. You certainly won’t get any complaints about album length on this one. Hopefully, this band will be on next year’s festival circuits because I’m sure the live show is fantastic. Each release from Acid Rooster has found a spot in my must-play cycle and earned the band spot on my list of favorite space rock jam outfits. You can still grab copies of this one, but there were not many pressed, so grab it while you can.
Available from Little Cloud (USA), Cardinal Fuzz (UK), Tonzonen (EU) and Bandcamp
