Consciousology – Sonic Cathedral
Dot Allison, once a member of trip-hop outfit, One Dove, is back after 2021’s Heart Shaped Scar. This album leaps forward with ambient strength and sophisticated, atmospheric tones which showcase her angelic vocal range. Classical orchestration, folk-inspired constructs, and driving synths give this new album, Consiousology, a moody, trippy sound. This album features the use of theremin, hazy synths, and guitar-work by Ride’s Andy Bell. At times you may think you are listening to some 60s psych-folk, while other times late 80s dreampop.
The sonic echo in track 1, “Shyness of Crowns,” collides with orchestral strings and a low pounding of synths. It allows an open field for Allison to open up her airy vocals. Imagine a musical soundscape that pairs Cocteau Twins with acoustic Led Zeppelin (Jimmy Page/John Paul Jones) strums and strings. Mix in Dot Allison’s “The Battle For Evermore”-like poignant and fragile vocals, and there is an avant-garde atmosphere created, which does not disappoint. “Moon Flowers,” track 4, is spacey and plucky – emotionally drenched with vulnerable highs and lows. Track 3, “Bleached By The Sun,” is mellow, beautiful, and delicate. Track 8, “Mother Tree,” veers into a bombastic wall of powerful synths. It plays like a hypnotic medieval outer-space song – it is shatteringly mystical.
Currently this may be my album of the year. Wow, just wow.
Track listing –
1: Shyness Of Crowns
2: Unchanged
3: Bleached By The Sun
4: Moon Flowers
5: 220Hz
6: Double Rainbow
7: Milk And Honey
8: Mother Tree
9: Weeping Roses
Favorites: 1**, 4**, 3**, 2**, 8**, and 7**. Track 5 is an enchanting new-age inspired instrumental.
– (h)earwitness