Portland’s Eternal Tapestry has always been a band committed to stream of consciousness creativity. The process by which they have always arrived at a record is rather simple, jam aimlessly for hours and then select the best snippets of those longer form sessions. The resulting psychedelic meanderings have placed Eternal Tapestry at the head of the class when it comes to psych rock. For their latest album, A World Out of Time, the band decided to use a different approach. Rather than selecting smaller bits from long form jams, they decided to actually try and record individual songs. They ended up making a record that is varied unlike any other they’ve ever made, with each song sounding purposeful and unique.
One big change the band embraced this time around was a more concise approach. Where once their songs would’ve cracked the double-digit mark they are now much more manageable, usually coming in at the four to five minute range. This is a smart move on their part; the psychedelic aim of their music lends itself to repetitive instrumental loops, which become tired if they go on for too long. ‘Planetoid 127’ and ‘The Weird Stone’ illustrate this trimmed down approach perfectly. The lone drawn out jam, 12-minute opener, ‘When I Was In Your Mind’, might wander for a while, but it’s still a psychedelic gem and shows off this band at their best.
The most appealing aspect of Eternal Tapestry’s music is the way they combine so much into their work. Though their overarching aim has always been psych rock, they always find a way to insert bits of electronica, found sounds, sci-fi and other elements to make themselves more than just another jam band. A World Out of Time is no exception, and, if anything, the band has found an even wider palette to draw from, this gives their music broad appeal with something for fans of anyone from The Grateful Dead and Fairport Convention, to Pink Floyd and Neu!.
Though their music might be dense, filled with looping guitars, heavy drums, and dreamy effects, Eternal Tapestry’s music never feels like it’s difficult to listen to. It’s easy to put on a pair of headphones and let the timeless psychedelic drift take over.
Grade: B
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