Aural Fixations

CURRENT 93
Judas Black Moth
(Castle/Sanctuary)
Songwriter David Tibet has been a mainstay of England's underground music scene for a quarter of a century, leading the iconoclastic Current 93. The freefloating ensemble began as pioneers in the noise/industrial scene, but underwent a startling change in the late 80s. Taking inspiration from the sounds of obscure British acid folk acts like Comus and from his own spiritual leanings, Tibet transformed Current 93 into the literate, strange and passionate psychedelic folk project it is today. Judas Black Moth is a two-disk overview of this aspect of the band, lovingly compiled by Tibet and some of his closest friends and collaborators. It's a interesting, engrossing journey into the mind and soul of a man who uses his music to gain an intimate knowledge of God. (more)

THE GREEN PAJAMAS
21st Century Seance
(Hidden Agenda)
THE GOBLIN MARKET
Haunted
(Camera Obscura)
The Green Pajamas may be obscure to everyone but the most fanatical psychedelic rock fans, but a new release from this Seattle aggregation is a genuine event around these parts. 21st Century Seance follows the usual pattern for a Green PJs record: leader Jeff Kelly dominates, while enabling important contributions from keyboardist Eric Lichter and guitarist Laura Weller. (Longtime bassist Joe Ross's rock solid presence is a given.) As usual, Kelly's literate, melodic tunes walk a fine line between delicate, Gothic acid folk and over-driven walls of psychedelic guitar. (more)