Barry Walker Unit – At The 13th Moon Gravity Well Album Review
Reviewed by Harry Kaplan
Sun Ra exclaimed, “space is the place,” and I think he was on to something profound. The Barry Walker Unit seems to live in a realm that is not just physical but ethereal and nebulous. They challenge the very concept of structure in music and flirt with chaos; in doing so, they create new lines and new borders that have yet to be defined. Their sound, infused with unique twang and innovative use of pedal steel, offers a fresh take that is both avant-garde and deeply comforting at the same time.
Pushing the envelope in music doesn’t have to evoke fear or discomfort. Instead, it can invite listeners into uncharted territories, urging them to immerse themselves in experiences that compel exploration. The Barry Walker Unit’s music creates an atmosphere where one feels encouraged to dive headfirst into the deepest recesses of one’s mind and beyond, rather than merely dipping their toes in the shallow end. It’s an invitation to embrace the unknown, to discover beauty in the unexpected intricacies of sound.
On their latest album, Barry Walker Unit – At the 13th Moon Gravity Well, they seem to gravitate towards a sonic landscape that fuses the essence of the late 60s Grateful Dead with the experimental tones of Meddle era Pink Floyd. This combination is exhilarating, highlighting their ability to weave various influences into a seamless auditory tapestry. I can definitely hear elements reminiscent of a spacey Dark Star jam, where improvisation reigns, alongside some building blocks of Echoes, creating a haunting yet uplifting atmosphere that resonates deeply.
The music feels expansive, creating a sense of weightlessness, akin to floating through the cosmos. Each track serves as a journey, a passage through untraveled sectors of sound, combining the essence of nostalgia with a progressive outlook. The Barry Walker Unit invites listeners to not only listen but to experience their soundscapes, making their latest offering a must-listen for those who enjoy exploration of uncharted musical realms. This journey through sound is an exhilarating ride, promoting exploration and reflection in equal measure.
I sometimes have trouble keeping my attention when listening to instrumentals only, but Barry Walker Unit creates a soundscape so compelling that vocals would only detract from the beauty. The intricate layers of sound and the interplay of different musical elements weave together a rich tapestry. In this instance, less is definitely more. The four compositions are telling a profound story, and there is a clear beginning, middle, and end, almost in the biblical sense. Each track feels like a chapter in an epic narrative.
The journey takes us from the creation of the heavens and the earth in Sweet Gum In Ash, where we can almost feel the vibrant energy of the universe being born. The journey continues through the life cycle and creation with The Origin Of Broken Pieces and High In The Hummocks, capturing the essence of growth and transformation. The melodies hint at struggles and triumphs, inviting the listener to lose themselves in contemplation. The journey concludes with total destruction and annihilation on the concluding track, Mordial : : Mortem, leaving one with a sense of catharsis and reflection on the cyclical nature of existence. This musical experience is not just an auditory journey but a profound exploration of life itself.
Listen and buy Barry Walker Unit – At The 13th Moon Gravity Well here