After two exceptional albums, I think its safe to say that Belgium’s Creature with the Atom Brain are one of the best rock bands out there right now. There are times when I’m tempted to go ahead and say they’re the best. This brainchild of Aldo Struyf (Millionaire, Mark Lanegan Band) is always completely fun to listen to, even though its frayed edges cast a moody, sometimes uneasy aura over the proceedings. Their first album, I Am the Golden Gate Bridge, lyrically and sonically, was the psychedelic embodiment of paranoid schizophrenia. They demonstrated a knack for immediate pop hooks and a willingness to subvert them with layers of menacing distortion and angular chords lying just underneath the surface. Those elements bubbled up more and more as the album drew on, overtaking the more accessible first half. Perfectly fitting for a band named after a Roky Erickson song, that was itself named after a B-horror movie.
The late-night creepiness of Transylvania, presents a madness that is under control, but still is felt lurking, ready to explode. The tone is often darkly psychedelic and sometimes sinister, but almost always maintains a fun spirit that will keep you moving as you listen. This isn’t overly somber, or cerebral. Its rock n’ roll that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that comes through to the listener. Opener “I Rise the Moon,” is immensely catchy with its sing-song quality and the psych-stomp of “The Color of Sundown” continues to pull you in with its 60s vibe. “Transylvania” is the centerpiece, enveloped in a dark groove that breaks into squalling guitars, synths, and processed vocals - reminiscent of Golden Gate. “Lonely Light” finds guest vocalist Mark Lanegan recalling his days in The Screaming Trees in the most light-hearted thing here. The broken, heavy psych-folk of “Spinnin’ the Black Hole” is wonderful. “Sound of Confusion” is a slinky rocker. “The Lonesome Whistle” ends the album with a walk into the ethereal night.
It amazes me that these guys don’t have distribution in the US. Transylvania is currently only available (physically- vinyl and CD) through Dutch label Munich Records. You can find both of their albums on Amazon and iTunes, however. I Am The Golden Gate Bridge might be a little better, but Transylvania is more cohesive and accessible, without sacrificing any of the qualities that make this band great. Highly recommended, and a candidate for my album of the year. Check out the videos for “Transylvania” and “Spinnin’ the Black Hole” below. The former is kinda cool, the latter is…well, its Struyf lip-syncing, staring into the camera. A little scary. But you can hear the song, at any rate.
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