Obscured by Echoes
Black Matter Manifesto
Reviewed by Michael Toland, Fri., Feb. 1, 2013
Obscured by Echoes
Black Matter Manifesto (Limehouse Records)Psychedelia isn't limited to blitzed jamming and peace-and-love inanities, a notion well understood on Obscured by Echoes' debut cassette/digital LP, Black Matter Manifesto. Formerly the Hi-Tones, the local quartet traffics in post-punk theatrics and contemporary indie clatter as often as it takes the Elevator to the 13th Floor or a flamboyant trip through a Paisley Underground. The menacing seduction of "Kaleidoscopic Minds" and Svengali tribute "Aleister LaVey" bump hips with the cosmic brooding of "Black Matter" and acid dreams of "Electric Funeral." Meanwhile, the starlit jangle of "Hatchet Man" boogies alongside the Stoned bash-and-crash "Pop Politico," and the whole album shakes down until it shimmers. Homemade production occasionally clashes with the group's sonic ambition, but the extra layer of fuzz more often enhances this trip.
