Wizardzz
Hidden City of Taurmond
Load Records

Brian Gibson has decided to keep up with his Lightning Bolt partner Brian Chippendale by coming out with a side project of his own. Wizardzz sees Gibson teaming up with Rich Porter of Bug Sized Mind and trading in his bass for a set of drums, in the process they have created something much different than what both musicians are usually known for. Gone are the hard edges of noise, replaced by a synth filled journey of epic proportions. In fact, the little sticker on the cover told me it was a “creamsicle journey”. Oddly enough, that does a very good job of describing what you are listening to; a smooth, dreamy, synth driven album that keeps the listener interested in exploring further.

I hate to use video games as a comparison, but that was what first came to mind while giving this a listen. It brought me back to my living room when I was young playing my Sega Genesis. The songs have the feeling of reading The Silmarillion under my covers with a flashlight. They make me think about running around the woods behind my house and fighting dragons made of old stumps and fallen trees. The imagery of youthful adventures is present through out. Songs like “Glimpse of the Hidden City” and “Sea Battle at Orkusk” make me pretty sure these guys know just what I’m talking about. I wonder if they play as much Dungeons And Dragons as I am assuming they do?

MP3
Whispers from Wallface

Websites
www.loadrecords.com