Opening track “Outside” is a brief interlude of vocals over a synth loop. The track “Strangel” features a big rock drumbeat and pumping bass line that are the main driving forces throughout this song. The vocal tone is gritty throughout and the punchy chorus is comprised of sampled industrial guitars. Sucking reverse sounds are used for good effect throughout as well psychedelic styled synth loops in the ambient sections. The sound is quite 90’s overall though still sounds fresh by today’s standards.
The atmosphere of the verses in “Speed of night” is quite sparse and contains a lot of samples that pan in and out. Some of the samples were derived from domestic happenings and one possibly sounds like a pan frying with the oil crackling. These sounds are used quite ingeniously throughout and replace what normally would have been guitar and keyboard riffs. An ambient middle section brings to mind Pink Floyd’s lead guitar sound and the synth sound similar to that of the instrumental “On the Run” from “Dark Side of the Moon” album which would have been an influence.
“Donnez Les Spritz” brings things down to a slower groovy tempo. The samples are abundant and color the otherwise sparse sounds of drums and bass with aquatic swirls. Vocalist Franz Treichler has a register similar to Jim Morrison’s and croons similarly too, with his haunting and poetic lyrics. At first listen his Swiss accent is noticeable as he sings mainly in English, sometimes combining with French words, though this doesn’t detract from the music. After repeated listens his vocal sound almost becomes a style unto itself.
“Moon Revolutions” is the longest track on the album clocking in at around 16 minutes. In the space of the entire album it feels a little monotonous as it’s similarity to the previous track “Donnez Les Spritz” is obvious in terms of tempo and use of sounds. The effect is quite hypnotic and the atmospheric and psychedelic middle section climaxes towards the intense finale. This tracks feels rather long, though it’s ending can be quite rewarding.
“Kissing the Sun” is the highlight of the album with its crushing guitar riffs and eerie ambient samples. It is similar in pattern to the opening songs and continues the mood of up tempo tunes.
“The Dreamhouse” begins quite minimally with ambient textures made of synths, water sounds and chiming bell sounds. The poetic and hushed vocal ask the question, “What are they doing in the dream house?” The drums add color and intensity in these sections preparing for when the full band comes in on the last third of the song. By the song’s conclusion the question of what they were doing in the dream house remains unanswered.
“Lointaine” provides a welcome relief of melody and harmony in the chorus over a bed of ambient synths, and is sung in French or could that be Swiss French perhaps?
“Gardez les Esprits” is more downtempo and features Franz singing over a programmed electronic beat while “Child in a Tree” is the closer on the album and is comprised of effects driven acoustic guitar and vocals. Interestingly, the latest Young God’s album “Knock on Wood” is entirely acoustic as well.
Overall a terrific album that combines elements of rock, industrial, electronic and ambience. The synths and samples provide the eerie and atmospheric backdrop to the pounding drums, heavy guitar samples and the Doors-ish vocals. The songs are well balanced between the light and the dark with the only complaint being the track “Moon Revolutions” which feels overly long. What is most interesting is that the Young God deliver such a great and full sound in a non traditional manner closing the gap between rock and electronic music, definitely one of the most successful groups to do so. The Roger Federer’s of electronic rock music, the Young Gods.
Link below to Amazon.com
Only Heaven
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