Review Summary: An exhilarating journey through the brilliant progressive-psychedelic minds of Causa Sui.
It’s not hard to be roused by the reminiscent qualities of 60-70’s rock and progressive-rock’s interlinear foundation; the backbone for which most rock/progressive bands derive their inherent attributes - constitutions that make up the same reasons some in our present age enjoy lengthy fusions of sound that impact the subconscious, a layering of harmonic intervals, and just plain grooves that induce feelings of euphoria and exaltation. Causa Sui, psychedelic/desert-space rock band from Denmark, effortlessly takes the prime trimmings of almost every element rock has to offer and propagates a sensation of their own.
Causa Sui’s accomplished
Summer Sessions trilogy commences with
Vol. 1, a near flawless stab at one of music’s most intricate genres. With a more than capable trio of past, believe it or not, hardcore metal musicians, Causa Sui set out to create progressive-psychedelic tracks that lures listeners in with accessible introductions that take various turns throughout thematic excursions.
Vol. 1 begins with “Visions of Summer”, a 24 minute track that is without a doubt the highlight of this LP. Enticing the listener with a few synth-wind wave effects and spaced out percussions before a catchy bass-line, instant entrapment is almost certain. It’s almost impossible to not enjoy/appreciate the groovy jazz-rock bass lines of Jess Kahr, the endless expressive jazz styles of drummer Jakob Skott, and most importantly the extravagant lead guitar and keyboard work of Jonas Munk. My imperfect limitations of a human being are causing me to salivate as I’m writing this. From raindrop percussions, endless drum roll patterns, spontaneous well-fitted synths, Jimmy Hendrix-inspired rhythm patterns, to slow-amplifying build ups, “Vision of Summer” is stoner-space rock peregrination not worth passing up.
The three latter tracks off
Vol. 1 are shorter in length but by no means are they any less impressive. “Red Sun in June” is a full on desert rock song that fits in perfectly after its preceding tracks immense-heavy build up. The mellow tendencies of this transition are inviting and soothing and act like a catching-support to the expected daze that one should have experienced up to this point. “Portixeddu” jumps back into the forward-pushing rock styles and my oh my I have never heard cowbells used so fittingly in a song before. Skott’s bell strikes would put Will Ferrell to shame any day. In fact, his ability to work the snare so effectively over all of his other responsibilities leaves one to wonder if the guy has an extra arm. The closer “Soledad” is a pure stoner-rock track drawing extreme similarities to Kyuss’ use of blues-rock integrations. Acting as a farewell to the alluring tunnel vision that you may have experienced up to this point, “Soledad” eases off the psychedelic allotments allowing the listener to rise from their comatose state.
Vol. 1 is by far the strongest of the
Summer Sessions triad and arguably the best work Causa Sui has to offer; besides its counterparts being great pieces of music as well. These enduring works of art must be beheld by the likes of rock enthusiasts and/or anyone wishing to seek what psychedelic-rock has to offer. For a modern psychedelic/jazz-fusion/jam rock album,
Summer Sessions Vol. 1 is as essential as it gets.
