The second collaboration between Fu Manchu guitarist Bob Balch and instrumental psych band Yawning Man here in 2023, Volume II, not only sports perhaps the most amazing album artwork of the year, but the three tracks here take this collective into even great heights of sonic glory than the first set. Who knew improvs could sound so sublime? " A Moment Expanded (A Form Constant)" is nearly 19 minutes of space rock majesty, as lilting guitar patterns and hypnotic rhythms allow for some truly otherworldly guitar solos to soar into the heavens. At times I'm reminded of Meddle era Pink Floyd with an extra guitar player and no keyboards. "Flesh of the Gods" sounds like more of a composed piece, with some ultra melodic chords looping over some faraway guitar solos, while "Psychic Aloha" closes this show in a floating, drifting, intoxicating fashion. Hearing all those swirling guitars, some with a clean tone, others overdriven, is a thing of beauty.
Reviewing a piece of music like this is awfully hard to describe in words, so my best advice is to go check this one out for yourself at the link below and lose yourself in the world of Yawning Balch. I guarantee you've never heard Bob play like this before, and the Yawning Man guys never disappoint.
Track Listing
1.
A Moment Expanded (A Form Constant) 18:36
2.
Flesh Of The Gods 09:59
3.
Psychic Aloha 13:35
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