Album Details

• Artist: Taurus
• Album: Life
• Label: http://taurusisdust.bandcamp.com
• Year of Release: 2012
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: patchen on 2012-07-17

The Portland duo that is Taurus continues to impress, and often awe, with their take on hypnotic Psych doom. "Life" shows the ladies swinging without a net: the record consists of a single improvisation (broken up into two tracks) recorded live in the studio. The depth and power released is stunning. It is clear that the band was locked in and ready for some serious sonic exploration. Both Stevie Floyd (Dark Castle) and Ashley Spungin (Purple Rhinestone Eagle) know their way around a Trip, and their experience in previous bands sets the stage for the freedom evident here.

Groaning guitars, moaning vocals, each more occasional that foundational, weave in and among the prevailing silences and bursts of noise. There are ambient stretches where the vocals sort of rise up as if from the mire, more chants or mantras than any sustained narrative; the plodding, stomping guitar that usually breaks the spell continues the feel of invocation, weird ceremony. As trippy as this is, there is little time to get comfortable and settle in to a reverie; that abrasive six string yang always looms, as a reminder perhaps that the mystic is not supposed to be comfortable or without risk.
"Life" is a world unto itself, one of depth, anger and pleas to the infinite. Taurus move within their own time and space, describing it with unsettling and majestic freedom.

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