Attention: all hipster indie fans of non-English-speaking, ambient rock, here is another band for you to listen to and gain status with in your community. Hailing from the Italian township of Genoa, Port-Royal's first full length release is swimming in a constant blue electronic current, accented sporadically by subtle glitch patterns that take the place of drum loops. Simple, reverberating keyboard beats are mixed equally with live percussion and the sweltering efforts of all the PR guitarists, though Flares rarely seems to peak. When it does, it's almost like you've earned it. That comes with the territory of most jam bands I've ever heard, but at least Flares flares at all... so that's something. The third part of "Zobione" and the post-trance festival of layers that is "Karola Bloch" reveal moments of undeniable brilliance. Yes, brilliance. In fact, it can get a little heavy at times, and though it could just be the kid with ADD in me, this CD can be a bit much to get through in a single sitting unless you're studying or otherwise engaged, for which purpose I find the likes of Port-Royal ideal anyway. Guessing from the Acid Mothers Temple show I just saw, Port-Royal is probably a much more dynamic live band than comes across here.
1. Jeka
2. Spetsnaz / Paul Leni
3. Zobione Pt. 1
4. Zobione Pt. 2
5. Zobione Pt. 3
6. Karola Bloch
7. Flares Pt. 1
8. Flares Pt. 2
9. Flares Pt. 3
10. Stimmung
More about: Port-Royal
