Detroit-area supergroup
Infinite River
released their first two LPs in 2023, both recalling the free-flowing drones of Michigan's storied space rock scene, but with tanpura and harmonium adding a raga-like sense of serenity. While
Space Mirror
took the group's sound in a mellower direction than their debut
Prequel
, their third effort,
Tabula Rasa
, often does the exact opposite, diving into hard rock and prog influences. Their music still feels a bit loose and jammy, but there are heavier rhythms, bigger riffs, shorter tracks, and actual song titles this time. "Sky Diamonds Raga" begins the album with angular riffs and a hazy smear of guitar effects. "Stars Above" is more restrained and even romantic, perfect for a slow dance. For every floating-in-space moment, though, there are crunchy, driving rockers like "Be the Cyclone That I Need," which roars and stomps in a gleeful, rollicking way. The second side begins with a breezy cover of "My Favorite Things" inspired by both the
John Coltrane
version and the
Sound of Music
original -- depending on which bandmember has heard which rendition. "Space Signal" is like a more blissed-out
Sonic Youth
, with guest vocalist
Salem Daly
nearly disappearing inside the waves of rushing guitars and cruising drums. "Blessed Unrest" is a daydream reverie which unexpectedly ends in a disjointed, alarming freakout. "Buzzer" has booming drums and chunky riffs, escalating to another monstrous cacophony. The last two songs are melodic, low-tide cooldowns, sounding like the band is relieved to have gotten some stress out of their system.
established a singular vibe with their first two efforts, but here it seems like they're truly living up to their name, riding a strong current down an unlimited number of directions. ~ Paul Simpson