ninehertz

A cross-continental collaboration of likeminded souls, divided by 15,000 km yet in cosy proximity, closely connected via the ethereal plane – Istanbul’s Congulus and Comacozer of Sydney come together in the spirit of heavy psych. Curated by the Greek label Sound Effect Records, this is the second volume, following on from the pairing of Apollo80 and Dimartis a couple of years back.

We have seen label-based split series fairly commonly in the last few years – Ripple Music’s Turned to Stone albums, Heavy Psych Sounds’ Doom Sessions prime examples – and Sound Effect look to be creating something equally appetising. This excellent pairing proves as much.

This is my introduction to Congulus, and my main take away is that I need to hear more of them. I promise myself to delve into their back catalogue as soon as possible. Theirs is a mystical and slightly Eastern tinged blend of psychedelia, the continental bridge of Istanbul and its cultural melting pot playing into the rich and heady concoction. The first track surges latter on through a glorious garage rock riff, whilst the final song is effect strewn and electro-assisted psych, turning to an intriguing and slightly skittish cosmic ride by its end.

I am more familiar with Comacozer, no strangers to split releases having paired with some stellar names in Vinnum Sabbathi and Blown Out in their past. There is nice variance across their three offerings – heavy psych with a lingering stoner/doom element in its darkest fringes on the first, whilst their middle song is mellow space rock with a very nice stoner rock riff, reminding me a little of Monkey3. They end with an Eastern flavoured zoned out jam in the grand tradition of the sound.

A nice little package then, two bands feeding of the other’s energy, and hopefully a series that will continue.