Vibracathedral Orchestra - My Gate's Open, Tremble By My Side (reissue)
(Lexicon Devil)
Remedying the out of print status of its original vinyl release on Roaratorio, the Australian label Lexicon Devil has reissued Vibracathedral Orchestra's My Gate's Open, Tremble By My Side for those hapless or unlucky enough to have missed it the first time round (like me). As if that were not enough of an incentive, the reissue contains a bonus to analog-challenged listeners: three extra tracks recorded during the same sessions.
The disc is splendidly recorded, capturing both the crackling energy and detail of every note. The signature jump cutting between tracks the band favors allows radically different tempos to collide with one another before resolving themselves as parts of the same pulsing continuum. The first track alone is a monolithic 20+ minute trance-inducing drone that ranks among the band's best work in no small part because its length allows the band to investigate subtle hypnotic effects at a langorous pace.
While the contents of the original recording alone justify the reissue, it is the extra tracks give the most interesting view into the many sides of Vibracathedral Orchestra. The first track is the most understated piece on the disc; a quiet synth-y drone that gently yields to a building throb of drums and guitar squiggles. The second is a jaunty jig that wah-wahs its way into territory more commonly staked out by Jackie-o Motherfucker or perhaps even Henry Flynt. The final track begins as a sort of shimmering environmental drone with a humming, soothing wash of drums, bells, organ and wind instruments. The surface tension builds throughout the piece and finally breaks free with a wail after about ten minutes before it too crests and fades.
Many bands would kill to have left this kind of material on the cutting room floor, but thanks to the folks at Lexicon Devil, you can open the gates and tremble anytime you please.
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