Band: Days Between Stations
Band Website: www.daysbetweenstations.com
Label: Bright
Label Website: www.brightorangerecords.com
Release Date: 2007
I recently received a copy of the self-titled debut release from
Days Between Stations features
seven predominantly instrumental tracks including the albums closer an epic length 22:14. The music created here is an influence of
some space-rock, some psychedelics, lots of proggy flourishes, a bit of Krautrock and even a bit of ethnicity. The opening track “Requiem
for the Living” [13:26] opens with a kind of middle eastern ambience and Arabic styled vocalizations then at the six-minute mark the
song shifts into a more up-tempo gear sounding a little like Pink Floyd more than anything else. The track builds with layers of synth
ambience, strings, driving mid-tempo drumming and searing guitar lead lines creating waves of sound. That Floyd influence is also
present on the next track, “Either/Or” [7:33], starting hesitantly and then launching into full glory. The track features a female
vocalization that is instantly reminiscent of Floyd’s “Great Gig in the Sky.” But I should say the Floyd influence here is more than
well incorporated into the band’s personal musical approach. There are many sounds working to create their own unique flavor. Tracks
are linked together with sound effects and the sounds of people talking heard over ambient layers of sound sometimes accompanied by
acoustic guitar melodies. The short linking track “Intermission Pt. 2” features some wonderfully fat synth sounds and that leads directly
into “Laudanum” [22:14] with is made up of four parts featuring all manor proggy styled elements from solo piano to melodic saxophone.
The listener is carried through the story, transported into the world of Days Between Stations.
This is a disc of changing moods
and atmospheres, sometimes slow and moody other times up-tempo and almost radio friendly. These are longer compositions that are designed
to create a mental picture and they do that admirably. There is something really captivating about the music created by Days Between
Stations. If you’re into that Floyd style or bands such as Hawkwind, Air or perhaps Tangerine Dream, this is certainly a disc that
will appeal to you. I really liked it.
