Moore/Majeure – Brainstorm split LP (Temporary Residence)
While Zombi, the band for which Steve Moore and Tony Paterra became known, is more of a once in a while sort of thing, both musicians have kept active with their solo careers. This is the first pairing, to my knowledge, of Zombi’s two halves on the same record. It stays the course for both artists as well: driving synth/Italian horror soundtrack/dawn of New Age tropes, played for authenticity and touches of innovation, as a continuation of where this music began rather than a copycat facsimile of such. Both guys are real musicians with significant talent, and this always comes through on the releases they put their names on. Brainstorm is no exception, though at times it feels like they’ve covered this sort of territory before, though to be honest, there isn’t much room to expand on this template without losing what makes the music work. Zombi has an expansive sound specifically because of the use of acoustic instruments and a heightened expectation to develop. Alone, both artists stick to synths and drum computers exclusively, which would be limiting to many, but feels second nature in their competent hands. Moore offers up four meditations from deep within the hearts of space; as Majeure, Paterra cuts one fearsome 20 minute side that takes on the sort of tinny, pressurized percussive attack and synth lead somewhere in the middle that would make Ruggero Deodato blush. For fans of the artist or genre, this will not disappoint. 1000 copies, of which 200 are on colored vinyl (100 blue/white and 100 yellow/white). (http://www.temporaryresidence.com)
(Doug Mosurock)
