Album Details

• Artist: Plankton Wat
• Album: Spirits
• Label: Thrill Jockey
• Year of Release: 2012
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: patchen on 2012-03-20

If, as d.boon said, the Minutemen were Scientist Rock, then
let Plankton Wat be Shaman Rock. "Spirits," the latest from the band that is
the one man mystic Dewey Mahood, is another trip into a world haunted and
uplifted by the teeming energy of all lives and all moments. No moment is too
small for Mahood to celebrate with his drones, his space blues, his occasional psychedelic
electric guitar. In fact, Plankton Wat speaks to the vastness of all moments.

The dreamy electric guitar line in the expressive light
psych of "Evening Sky" sets the tone; it is both massive and intimate. From there
the intimacy becomes more explicit, with the tribal title track's addition of
drums giving a ceremonial, shamanistic feel. "Broken Slumber" extends that
percussive drive, but blends in soulful psych guitar that suggests deep ritual.

The simple acoustic meditations (with some added found
sounds) of "Fabric of Life" and "Portland & Western Cross" are achingly
beautiful. The closer is the stunning "Stream of Light," a soaring celebration of
the dark and light themes explored throughout the set.

Recorded on 4-track cassette in Mahood's basement last year,
"Spirits" is the Plankton Wat's debut for Thrill Jockey. Hopefully this will
mean more exposure for an artist in his prime, one unafraid to express the deep
meaning behind the mundane, and to celebrate the spirits that are everywhere,
even when ignored.

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