Skip to main content
A Magazine for

The Manchester edition of Now Then is no longer publishing content. Visit the Sheffield edition.

The Comet Is Coming Trust In The Lifeforce...

Trust In The Lifeforce...
327 1551265507

With an album title like Trust In The Lifeforce of The Deep Mystery, you know you're about to enter an ethereal rabbit hole that transcends space and time.

Opening track 'Because The End Is Really The Beginning' is a timeless piece of cinematic jazz elegance that washes over you again and again. 'Birth Of Creation' adds to the dramatic build-up, as the saxophone of King Shabaka (Shabaka Hutchings) competes with the throbbing synth bass tones of Danalogue (Dan Leavers) to ratchet up the tempo.

a vibrant, rich sound that never stands still

It's not long before the organised maelstrom is unleashed. 'Summon The Fire' mashes up sci-fi skyscrapers with smoked jazz licks and an incessant drum track. The rhythm accompaniment of Betamax (Max Hallett) is flawless and never overpowers, giving the electronics and sax room to explore the space. The heavy vibes return as the ever-honest Kate Tempest brings her lyrical mastery to bear witness on 'Blood Of The Past'.

The Comet Is Coming show that you don't need a full complement of musicians to make a vibrant, rich sound that never stands still. It's clear that these three are really competent musicians, but it's the sum total of the drums, sax and synths that lifts them onto a higher plane.

'The Universe Wakes Up' closes the nine-track album in sublime style. We reach sanctuary, from deepest space back to Planet Earth, as the soundtrack twists and turns before tripped-out tranquillity returns.

Sun Ra was in the future when he made his astral sounds. These guys have taken that legacy, pulled in elements of Boards Of Canada, Tony Allen and John Coltrane, and made something really special.

Andy Tattersall