Album of the day: 35007 – Phase V (Stickman Records 2005)

(From our archives): The Dutch lords of instrumental space rock are back with their fifth LP/EP. The line-up has shifted since the release of 2002’s stellar release, Liquid with a change in guitarist. Tos (ex-Beaver) is now handling six-string duties and 35007’s overall sound has altered as a result.

Liquid featured very mellow, smooth transitioning grooves that twisted and turned through huge soundscapes.  Phase V contains much of the same overall vibe, but has more chiaroscuro to it with the heavier parts being much heavier and the quieter parts being virtually silent. The opening track ‘20:09′ is an excellent example of the new 35007 sound, opening with a quiet, drifty guitar part before the trademark groovy 35007 bass and drums kick in. Overlaying the rhythm section is more trademark slithering pedal steel work.

Nothing here would sound out of place on Liquid. That is, until a soaring guitar solo kicks in and the track shifts into full-on heavy mode melding the more relaxed 35007 of the past with fearsome guitar playing and odd chopping time changes. Once the solo tails off, the track continues to shift and pulse for another 10 minutes. The majority of tracks are similar in vibe giving the album a very cohesive feel that’s difficult to ‘dip into.’ It demands listening from start to finish.

I found this album initially disappointing  (always a good indicator of its classic status!) when listened to through speakers. It wasn’t until I listened to it through headphones that the underlying structure of the tracks becomes really evident. The melodic parts are supplied mostly by the bass, analogue synths and quiet multi-layered guitar parts and, as such, are quite “hidden.” Overall, I got a very strong vibe of the work of the Mahavishnu Orchestra albeit a little less jazzy and a little more spacey.

There’s a lot to Phase V and represents the pinnacle of 35007’s releases so far which, considering the brilliance of  Sea of Tranquility and Liquid is no mean praise.
This album is highly recommended to anyone willing to spend the time listening fully to what’s on offer. A casual listen will not suffice. Without a doubt, the album of the year 2005.
Aligator Descartes

(Please click here to listen to the audio stream of 35007 live at Roadburn 2005)

Tags: 35007, album of the day, space rock, stickman records

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