SPACE MIRRORS: The Darker Side Of Art

Cover	Release	Style
	2005	Space rock
	Label
	http://www.deadearnest.btinternet.co.uk
	Website
	http://www.spacemirrors.com
	Contact
	music@spacemirrors.com
	Playing Time	Cat. N°
	54:05	DERNCD 77
	Review by/Translated by	Rating
	Johan / Edwin	7/10
nederlands	Review
Space Mirrors sprang out of the mind of Alisa Coral, who listened to and played lots of different styles of music: space rock, industrial, metal, ambient & noise. For quite a while, she tried to get together a heavy metal band, but this didn’t work out because she wasn’t able to get a stable line-up. Alisa then decided to continue as a solo artist. The financial means were insufficient to record quality material, though. Then, in 2001, things changed. A five-track demo “Astral Shift” was recorded and this started the ball rolling. In 2002 “Neutron Star” followed, which was in the style of the early Tangerine Dream, Tim Blake and Harvey Baindridge. This release was received well in the media and with fellow musicians. In the summer, work started on songs for “The Darker Side Of Art”. Michael Blackman (Alien Dream) joined in the studio and two tracks were written specifically for Arjen Anthony Lucassen (Ayreon, Star One, Stream of Passion), who was indeed willing to participate. Steve Youles also played guitars. In the beginning of 2003, Alisa recorded the vocals and the final touches were added. It’s not easy to categorise “The Darker Side Of Art”. It’s a mix of electronic, psychedelic and atmospheric music, based on space rock – or, in Alina’s words – ‘Infernal Apocalyptic Space Rock’, and can best be compared to Hawkwind and Ozric Tentacles. Opener “Portal Spell” is an atmospheric instrumental, cosmic piece which serves as an introduction to the rest of the album. “At the crossroads of worlds” creates more space for guitar work à la Hawkwind. “A Trip Through Inner Space” slows things down a bit and creates a magical, cosmic atmosphere. “Your Soul’s Been Sold” is initially a bit reminiscent of Jean Michel Jarre of Vangelis. The vocals in the background, Michael’s guitar and the floating, layered synths make for a special kind of atmosphere. “Pale Ghost” was already available on the Eclipsed magazine ‘sampler vol.10’ – a track with lots of guitar effects (wah wah & fuzz box). Then the drums kick in, and there are those Hawkwind guitars again, with a pumping bass and whirling keyboards. Arjen Lucassen appears on “It’s Cold Today In Underworld”. This song is indeed reminiscent of Ayreon – Lucassen takes on lead vocals and rhythm guitar. It is also the only track on this album with a full song structure. “Black Dragon” is a solo spot for Steve Youles, who plays acoustic and solo guitar. An atmospheric, cosmic track which takes you right up into space. The CD ends with the driven “Dark Jedi”, composed of several parts which seamlessly flow into one another. In this track too, Lucassen appears as a musician and narrator. A dark song, again with lots of cosmic sounds, powerful guitars and lots of solos. Alisa’s voice is also very prominent here. Maybe not an obvious choice to complement your collection, but it is a grower. It’s quite good after a few listens. For me, it’s especially the final four tracks which make it worthwile. After this album, Alisa again worked with Blackman for the next album, “Memories of the future”, on which again several guest musicians participated: Metatron (The Meads of Asphodel), Keith Kniveton (Starfield, Hawkwind), Martin (Litmus) and Amber (Shadow Realms.
Musicians
Alisa Coral: synths, keys, synth bass, vox, drums, percussion Michael Blackman: rhythm, lead and whammy bar slide guitars special guest: Arjen Anthony Lucassen: Rhythm guitars on 6 & 8.1, solo on 8.1, acoustic guitar on 8.4, vocals on 6 and narration on 8.5 Steve Youles: acoustic guitar and solos on 7
Tracklist
Portal Spell (5:48) At The Crossroads Of Worlds (5:58) A Trip Through Inner Space (4:53) Your Soul's Been Sold (5:08) Pale Ghosts (8:18) It's Cold Today In Underworld (5:34) Black Dragon (5:39) Dark Jedi (12:44) 1. The Story Of Jedi Knights 2. Anakin On Tatooine 3. The War Began 4. On Coruscant With Palpatine 5. Anakin's Thoughts - To The Dark Side 6. Dark Reign 7. Empire
Discography
Astral Shift – demo (2001) Synchronicity – demo (2001) Mirror – Neutron star (2002) Re-issued on CD in 2005 under Alisa Coral's Neutron Star Frozen Fields – Fimbulwinter (2002) The Darker Side Of Art (2004) Memories Of The Future (2005)


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