Suuns - Images Du Futur

Imagine, if you will, an alternate universe where Jim Morrisson lived, somehow retained his coolness, and found himself able to maintain his mind while experimenting with newer-age designer drugs. Instead of hallucinogens, he does cocaine and ecstasy. Experimental Rock from Montreal, this Suuns album is a thing of beauty.

I don't mean to suggest that Suuns are really channeling the Doors specifically. Vocalist Ben Shemie may actually sound closer to a mellowed out Thom Yorke. But the songs here have a mystery where you expect them to explode. And maybe they do and maybe they don't. And there's a vibe. The album is very bass heavy and the guitar does little more than provide some texture and maybe to bring the melody to a greater forefront sometimes. But really, this is a all a low-end ride through a dark room where you don't care who's attached to the hand that's found itself attached to you.

The album starts with frenetic distortion of "Powers Of Ten" and the of "2020". "Minor Work" may be the track with the least happening, but still maintains a constant bass groove. "Mirror Mirror" takes that vibe and ramps it up piece by piece and becomes the most Pink Floydy thing on the record. A couple of tracks in the middle, "Bambi" and "Holocene City",  seem to be adding a little too much extra repetition. And that may kill a star off this Suuns effort, but isn't too detrimental. Especially in light of the album's excellent finale, "The Music Won't Save You"

At the end of the day, it's actually pretty inexplicable why I like this record. I generally like my music more succinct, with a simpler plot. Images Du Futur is all abstract mood. But a great mood to be in. (3.5 of 5 stars)