Al Lover maxes out the psychedelic concept on his new album Distorted Reverberations (of Reverberating Distortion). The music is basically instrumental rock, with the occasional vocals (such as on “Moonhearts – I Can Wait”) serving as just another instrument rather than conveying any lyrical meaning. As for the final analysis: this album will certainly give any fan of psychedelic rock a satisfying fix. If that is your kind of thing, you really should check the album out.
Having said that, I'm afraid some of this music is just too far out for mainstream consumption. The main problem for me comes with the over-use of effects simulating track skipping and other similar 'distortions.' Now I get it that this is the point of the album, but frankly it can be quite distracting in places. The very beginning of the album is a good example. Another is the beginning of track 7, “Ty Segall – Fist Heart Mighty Dawn Dart,” which actually sounds like your player is malfunctioning. This can be a cool effect, and I've enjoyed it at other times, but when it actually sounds like your CD is badly scratched, it loses its entertainment value in my opinion.
Al Lover's psychedelic musical imagination is highly fertile, and this LP shows it off. The ending, after the louder portion of the last song has died away, is quite inspired.
Key Tracks- White Fence – Sticky Fruitman Has Faith, King Tuff – Sun Medallion, Moonhearts – I Can Go On
Donny Harvey- MuzikReviews.com Staff
June 30, 2011