Eternal Tapestry - Dawn in 2 Dimensions [Thrill Jockey - 2012]It is not uncommon for bands to have radically different live and studio sounds: the first time I saw Six Organs of Admittance's intense psych rock live show I was expecting a set of lengthy folk pieces, and shoegaze experimentalists Bark Psychosis were renowned for their noisy live shows supporting the likes of Extreme Noise Terror. For Dawn in 2 Dimensions, Eternal Tapestry have taken the approach of combining the two perspectives, coming up with an album of rhythm heavy psych jams, as a contrast to their more subdued studio records of late. Opener 'Wholeodome' sets the stage in almost predictable fashion, fuzzy guitar riffs looping around a steady beat of pounding drums and repetitive bass. All of the hallmarks of spacey psych rock are here, and it's done with taste and class. Things slow down for 'Bread of Dreams', a more introspective jam with a wistful air, that eventually breaks down to field recordings and a folky acoustic lick, which is a refreshing break from the sun-baked feel of events so far. The momentum soon picks up again with a seamless fade into 'Marrow of the Wind', a fourteen minute jam which constantly alters dynamics and instruments and never tires. The guitar playing is clean and arpeggiated, its interplay with the rolling rhythm section painting a cosmic haze that is a delight to get lost in. The second side of the album is a twenty minute piece in three parts, recorded live in the studio. The sections work well to form a continuous piece, rather than simply sounding like three unrelated tracks thrown together in an attempt of creating an epic. Starting with 'I.S.F.S.', a slow minor-key jam, things build with psychedelic effects until breaking into the pounding title track, an almost oppressive sounding wall of screaming guitar, thunderous bass and crashing kit. Instead of slowing things down for the end, Eternal Tapestry choose to return to the psych groove of the opening track, tying things up with a riff that place the emphasis very much on 'rock' in 'space rock'. On paper, Dawn in 2 Dimensions might not seem a particularly interesting record - there is certainly no focus on inventing an original sound. However, Eternal Tapestry are clearly skilled writers and performers, and Dawn in 2 Dimensions suggests they put on an incredible live show; their choice to create an album in their live style was a wise one. Fans of psych- and space-rock will find a lot to enjoy here. Ross Baker
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