Apparently, a term described as the claim that the formation and existence of various features of the universe can be better explained by electricity and magnetism versus gravity alone is possibly where the name came from. Electric Universe is a serious and seriously heavy rock band from New Zealand. Their second album, Timeless, is will soon be releasaed and makes good on the promise of their first as their Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and Pink Floyd influences seep through the songwriting. With eight members, including guitarist ‘Mutt’ Furness (who played with Phil Rudd on his 2017 tour), they bring eleven varied tracks that they combine well to deliver a very satisfying and original take on rock.
Highlights of the album have to be opener ‘Don’t Lie To Me’, which delivers heavy blues and psych wrapped up in a neat way with excellent guitar. The track is rounded out with backing vocals and a band that is tight and comfortable with the freeform feel they put into it. ‘Freerider’ is reminiscent of Deep Purple’s Stormbringer with added blues; ‘She’s Coming Home’ is blessed with striking chords in the funky guitar, while the vocals harmonize beautifully and make you think you’re in a Barrett home (Syd’s, of course!). ‘What’s Going On’ serves up funked rock with a weighty riff and great keyboard interplay behind the main melody, and ‘Sometimes’ is a bang up to date 70s rock song that will have you searching the library for its inspiration. It delivers a great solo too…love it! ‘Right On Time’ (not that one) is another Stormbringer contender in feel, and ‘Time’ closes the album with another construct that has you thinking, “where is that from.” When it all comes together in the Electric Universe universe, it becomes immaterial as it is totally original as well.
Here is a band with acres of talent, and in it they pour some very strong blues-based rock songs that make me add Deep Purple to the list of influences…regardless, this is a quality album that needs to be heard widely. They effortlessly join 70s rock with modern sensibilities and deliver an album that will be regular listening fodder in this (and deservedly every) household.
Timeless will be released on 28th May via RM Records.
