ALBUM REVIEW: Light/Flux – Mythic Sunship
Bridging the gap between heavy riff-worship and expansive, free-jazz experimentation alongside perfectly timed outbursts of psychedelic spontaneity is no easy task, but Copenhagen’s MYTHIC SUNSHIP embrace every facet of that challenge with an awe-inspiring ease. Having made a name for themselves by incorporating John Coltrane-style jazz elements into the world of modern psychedelic music, there is something intensely alluring about a band that enforces a scorched earth policy when it comes to looking for new and exciting sounds to explore. Light/Flux is a much more composed and reflective output compared to the band’s 2021 release Wildfire, but it still rips up the rule book as the Scandinavian maestros insatiable appetite for viscerally bold expressionism continues to guide their musical journey.
Whilst Wildfire demonstrated the raw essence of MYTHIC SUNSHIP, a period of frantic, erratic and aggressive riffing to reflect the turbulence happening within, Light/Flux is the result of a sustained period of mellowing and reflection. Whilst retaining the band’s penchant for spontaneity, this is a more melodious, harmonious and composed album; the metaphorical calm after the storm. Whilst the album is calmer by comparison to the band’s previous outing, there is a significantly stronger reliance on the jazz influences that permeate their sound. This less structured approach has allowed MYTHIC SUNSHIP to experiment with improvised interplay. Transcending the album is a sense of musical freedom, placed in the worlds of psychedelia and jazz, it is fair to say that the result is something utterly mind-bending and spectacularly hypnotic. Utterly untameable, the paradoxically tranquil chaos appeals to the primal spirit you keep within yourself; in between the luscious guitar layers, swinging rhythms and squealing saxophone your inner most soul can be alleviated of its stresses and truly set free.
The atmospheres and textures that MYTHIC SUNSHIP have built up throughout this album have a spiritually restorative quality. Somewhat utilising PINK FLOYD-ian methods of toying with emotion through beautifully melancholic bleakness and fiery up-tempo strangeness, the unpredictability of the album keeps you on your toes. This exhilarating experience brings you a welcoming but unfamiliar comfort; as real life seems to take on a bludgeoning monotony, Light/Flux allows you to escape it all in truly innovative way. As each song builds on the one before, new and old elements intertwine and evolve together cohesively, all underpinned by shifting rhythms with the passionate chemistry and intuitive musicianship between the members of MYTHIC SUNSHIP shining throughout.
Aurora wastes no time in lulling you into the album’s groove as effortlessly dreamy duets between saxophone and guitar begin to unfurl the musical landscape that you are about to enter into. Jazzy drum patterns lock in with a mellow, moving bass line that relaxes you instantly. Blood Moon brings more melancholic elements into the fold. A shorter, shaper song, the darker contrast between itself and Aurora starts to put you on your toes as the surprises start to come round the corner. Equinox is a slow builder that ups the ante, a bit more frantic but equally as colourful, a series of glitteringly kaleidoscopic riffs hurtle at you. With the album’s flow dictated by the next few bars it is here that you hear the dynamic intricacies that MYTHIC SUNSHIP have to offer.
Spontaneous tempo changes and synth effects give Equinox an incredible edge. However, it is bested by Decomposition; the longest song on the album sees MYTHIC SUNSHIP explode into full jazz mode, with diminished and augmented melodies acting against each other within a swirling purple cloud of psychedelia. Tempest is the most straightforward psych sounding song, except for the squealing and howling saxophone improvisations which add a crazy 70s prog layer that fits perfectly regardless of the waterfall of notes that wash over you throughout the song’s duration. First Frost concludes the crazy sonic journey by channelling the album’s opener again. Taking it back to dreamland, lavish guitar layers engulf you once more as you are kept grooving by the gentle percussion underneath.
In times where the real world seems to be a savage place of constant gloom, Light/Flux is an incredible album to get absorbed into. It’s a true gift of musical escapism with no boundaries or limitations, a place where all your fears and worries melt away and your mind is truly enthralled by a wonderful exhibition of MYTHIC SUNSHIP’s elaborate musicianship.
Rating: 9/10
Aurora is set for release on September 30th via Tee Pee Records.
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