Buddha Sentenza - Mode 0909

Crashing down from outer space comes these crazy cosmic rockers from Heidelberg, Germany. Buddha Sentenza's "Mode 0909" is a space rockin instrumental trip combining influences from Sabbath, Pink Floyd and mixing it with more modern day jam rock bands, early Atomic Bitchwax and Japan's Sonic Flower are two that springs to mind when listening to this album. They use droning fuzzy riffs, waling solos and some catchy harmonies to full effect on this 8 tracker on the wonderfully named "Holy Dogshit Productions" label. "Ride With The Devil", a hard hitting groove based number with a sonically charged riff and its all topped off with screaming solo work. The guitar sound harks back to the days of early 70's psyche rock and mid 70's proto heavy metal. It has a loose jam vibe but they also give a very precise delivery of the short but sweet tune. The guitarist who goes by the name of "General Punishment" has a natural feel for the music and "Munro Mertahens" ( bass ) and "Jesus Malverde" ( drums ) really locked themselves into a groove not only on this track but on the whole album. They also have a second guitar player ( Baabaa Blacksheep )and he sounds like he is no slouch either when it comes to displaying some fine cosmic guitar techniques. Another cool tune is "Saturn" that has a short Floyd style intro before the smooth but fuzzy guitar lines make a appearance. The bass lines that follow the guitar work really make the track, forever moving under the riff creating a space rock atmospheric groove. The solo work is once again wailing away and its the great solo guitar licks that really makes this album so good.

"Noise From The Death Factory" is the shortest track but also the most psychedelic while remaining the most up-tempo track. They band use a lot of spoken word samples at the start and end of tracks and this one has a classic but i don't want to give too much away, just check it out for yourself. "Noise From The Death Factory" features the keyboard work of "Pontifex Maximus" more so than any track on here and yes this band has given themselves some great stage names. Another stand out track is "Kehakeeltekool" and is the epic of the album and the best example of their space rock leanings. Starting off like a long lost Hawkwind track, it slowly takes a life of its own especially in the driving keyboard work of Maximus. The track is loose cosmic jam of sorts and is immensely psychedelic especially half-way into the track when the track takes a turn into the realms of pure late 60's acid rock land. The keyboard work is brilliant with changes in sound coming regularly, at times its like Keith Emerson but other times Country Joe And The Fish. These variations in sound textures never sound out of place or forced, the band really seem at home with these songs. I must say i can imagine this band having a real battle royal on stage between these two fine musicians. Elsewhere on the album you will find more great tracks, there is no filler tracks and never do you feel like skipping a song. I must mention the tune "Black Coal Funeral", one of the best album openers i have heard in a long time. This track really takes you on a journey throughout its 6 minutes from its floating, dreamy intro to the very Hendrix sounding blues runs. The album is over all too soon so i cant wait to hear what they do next. Its also pretty cool to see they give you the option of actually buying the album or downloading it for free from Buddha Sentenza - South-Western Lower Valley Rock - Buddha Sentenza, you can also check out some live clips at YouTube - MrJesusMalverde's Channel. For fans of old school psyche, space rock to modern stoner rock fans, this band has something for all you people. 9/10


www.myspace.com/buddhasentenza