Back in 2006 I was sent a copy of the debut release by Øresund Space Collective, and I was amazed at the spaced out improvisation that I was presented with. Now, just seven years later and the ‘band’ is back with their 16th release. This is a band in the loosest concept, as only synthesizer players Mogens and DR. Space have been on all the releases and here they are again joined by all the members of the Danish band Papir (Kristoffer - drums, Nicklas - guitar, Christian - bass (only on ‘Neptune Rising’)). In addition, Pär from the bands Sgt. Sunshine, Carpet Knights, Hoofoot played bass. The line up for this album was completely by American guitar player Daniel Lars for whom this was his first trip ever to Denmark and playing with the Øresund Space Collective.
The opening track, “Walking on Clouds” (composed by Daniel, which the rest of the band jammed on) was the only one that was pre-written, with the other three being totally improvised. There are only four songs, but it still has a total playing time of 48 minutes. If you have never come across these guys, then they are well worth investigating. There is something incredibly entrancing and inviting about this style of space rock which has as much in common with jazz as it does with Hawkwind as the guys all take their cues from each other and goes wherever the music takes them. It is inventive, compelling and somewhat incredible all at the same time. This album had as much of an impact on me as their debut did, and now I see that I am going to have to spend some time investing in some of the others that have passed me by. This is a band that very much follow their own path, bringing together elements from many, to create something singularly and definitively theirs. All of the band combine to make this all work, building a sonic soundscape that allows the guitars to bring together the best of Hillage and Allen, in a truly wonderful way. For more details on this and all of their releases visit www.oresundspacecollective.com.
