Austin's Golden Dawn Arkestra throw a lot of stuff at the wall to see what sticks. The group's newest record, The Gold Album, is out today. It's engaging, if not scattershot.
Opener "Join as One" is propulsive and full of a charm that's similar in attitude to that of The Flaming Lips' stuff, even if sonically it's a bit different. Elsewhere, things get lost in "Backwards" and a couple of other selections, where the group's approach seems a bit desperate, and less inspired. Still, "Springtime in Quarantine" is, despite a cringe-y title, lovely in a space rock fashion. At times here, like on "Room 909" the sound is New Wave, washes of electronica and keyboards conjuring up an interesting vibe. Golden Dawn Arkestra favor risk taking and that's to be respected, even though this listener wished the record was just a bit more consistent in mood and tone.
The Gold Album is out today by Golden Dawn Arkestra.
[Photo: Golden Dawn Arkestra Bandcamp page]