The third release in
Bardo Pond
's numerically titled series of informal jam sessions originally appeared as a limited, self-issued CD-R in 2002. Like other volumes in the series, this one consists of sprawling, largely instrumental improvisations that often contain no beginnings or endings, just a constant flow of energy. Starting with the clapping, mantra-like "Sifaka," the release moves into "Ecstasy Dub," a slowly expanding bubble of hallucinogenic sound featuring
Isobel Sollenberger
's wordless vocalizing. "Lomand" is the ecstatic centerpiece, starting out as a few simultaneous streams of electric guitar currents, then releasing the floodgates as scattered drums burst forth. "Tanked" feels a lot more structured due to its surprisingly aggressive guitar riffs and turbulent drumming, but the vocals feel more daydreamed than sung. The rest of the album floats along aimlessly, with cosmic flutes weaving in between levitating guitar licks and meandering drums.
Vol. 3
is by no means a definitive
release, but it satisfies if one is in the mood for something loud and bleary yet detached from reality. ~ Paul Simpson