Strings of Consciousness, a collective that is brought together in part via e-means, and comprised of members hailing from France, England, and the States, here groups nine members, five of which play stringed instruments, to harness a sprawling, jazzy sound that doesn’t lack for uniqueness. The album features a variety of guest vocalists, giving listeners diversity of performance throughout. Particularly strong efforts are gleaned from J.G. Thirlwell on the first track, “Asphodel,” and spoken word poet Black Sifichi on the two selections to which he lends vocals, “While the Sun Burns Out Another Sun” and “Midnight Moonbeams.” A real dramatic sensibility is achieved here along with the atmospheric soundscape strung up by the ensemble. As a side note, Black Sifichi—a French artist—declaims with a perfect American accent. “Asphodel” has a similar feel to the Beatles’ “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds”; it’s in psych-jazz territory with an emphasis on the strings, rounded out by Thirlwell’s reverberating vocal work. Amid much spoken word on the disc, Barry Adamson’s contribution on “Sonic Glimpses” is solid as well, recalling classic Leonard Cohen. All in all, new takes on jazz ensembles melded with poetry abound, making for an interesting, unusually atmospheric outing in Our Moon is Full.
--Andrew Palmacci
