Once There Was A Time When Time And Space Were One is the third release from Swedish instrumental outfit My Brother the Wind, now coming out via Free Electric Sound, the instrumental division of The Laser's Edge roster of artists. All I can say is...wow. This is what space rock is all about folks. Music of this nature is supposed to take you on a journey, allowing the listener to close their eyes and let the sounds carry you off into another dimension, and Once There Was A Time When Time And Space Were One clearly does that, and then some. Utilizing acoustic & electric guitars, Mellotron, flute, bass, drums, congas, and other instruments, the band (Mathias Danielsson, Ronny Eriksson,
Nicklas Barker, and Daniel Fridlund Brandt) have put together a collection of 'pieces' that sort of flow into each other, the album insisting on being taken as a whole rather than broken down into separate songs. This is one that you really have to just put on and just let it sweep you away, and trust me, it will, over and over again. Recorded on full analog on 2" tape courtesy of a 16 track Ampex from 1969, the album has that 'classic' sound from start to finish, tracks like the two part "Song of Innocence" taking you back to vintage era Pink Floyd, Hawkwind, and Ash Ra Tempel with the waves of slashing guitars, throbbing rhythms, and pulsating keyboard washes. Seeing as the members of My Brother the Wind are also from other noteworthy prog acts like Makajodama, Magnolia, Animal Daydream and Anekdoten, its already a given that these guys know how to channel some of the greats of the '70s. "Into the Cosmic Halo" just soars, with guitar work that reminds of some of the best of Steve Hillage, while "Garden of Delights" builds and builds with intensity to s stunning climax, almost like a lost track from the Pink Floyd Ummagumma album.
Honestly, I can't say enough good things about Once There Was A Time When Time And Space Were One. It's an intoxicating album, with gorgeous soundscapes that literally can take your breath away. The haunting Mellotron of "Epilogue" is one of the most gorgeous passages you'll hear on a prog album this year, but in truth it's just one of many captivating parts of this wonderful album. Highest recommendations here!
See more about this release on our recent YouTube show!
Track Listing
- Prologue
- Song Of Innocence part 1
- Song Of innocence part 2
- Into The Cosmic Halo
- Misty Mountainside
- Garden Of Delights
- Thomas Mera Gartz
- Once There Was A Time When Time And Space Were One
- Epilogue