VIBRACATHEDRAL ORCHESTRA - same

Format: do-LP & DVD

Label & Cat.Number: VHF Records VHF 127

Release Year: 2012

Note: re-issue of the self-titles debut from 2004 (which was released on a now impossible to find CDR) by the impro / ecstatic drone ensemble from UK; comes with exclusive bonus DVD with material culled from three live performances

Price (incl. 19% VAT): €23.50

More Info

"Public service reissue of this impossibly rare and choice title in the Vibra oeuvre, originally issued by the band in 2004 as an edition of 250. Featuring the “classic” lineup (Mick Flower, Neil Campbell, Bridget Hayden, Adam Davenport, Julian Bradley) that made “Queen of Guess” (vhf#77) and “Dabbling With Gravity and Who You Are” (vhf#66), this self-titled double takes a wild ride through the inner-workings of VCO’s stream of consciousness.

Many of the tracks (selected from research & development jams) here cut in abruptly, continuing the informal, expansive vibe of the band’s other self-released items. The thick blanket of signature drone-fog is never far away, anchoring the tunes which veer from early Velvets-style rock jammers (“Thrift”) to swirling electronic mystery (“Clear”). On side 3, “Gist” builds up a looping, guitar-led rhythm like a lost A.R. & Machines track, sharing the same side with the pulsing “Flötz,” which rides a taut electro-pulse bolstered by group small percussion. This lengthy double concludes with the almost side-long “Minkey,” featuring the full complement of VCO sound signatures in one big hallucinatory swirl.

Exclusive to this release is a 35 minute DVD of three live performances put together by Mick Flower. A rare chance to see some cinema verité of the group in action, the performances here (shot in the UK in 2005 and 2007) are all on the rocking side, with furious drumming and guitar strangling. Perhaps best of all is Mick Flower and Neil Campbell’s optional audio commentary track (!) on “Wisdom T,” providing some insight on the how’s and why (and some witticisms, too). Covers hand printed by SIWA, each one a little different. Cut by John Golden, audiophile pressed at RTI (a huge improvement over the original issue). Limited pressing." [label info]

www.vhfrecords.com