Royal Tribute To The Kingdom Of Mushroom - Music To Be Buried To

This album is very appropriately named, it certainly feels like being interred in the ground and if I hadn't already heard Taphenphobia or Aural Whiteout (both projects of former Northaunt member Ketil Soraker), I'd be impressed. As it is, "Music to be Buried to" is airy and too fleeting for me to get into. I like the name of the band, however, it works on many different levels and anytime fungi are given prominence I'm appreciative. They keep the length to under fifty minutes which is commendable and again, very appreciated. I can't tell you how many epic aural sagas which go nowhere I've had to endure, hoping it gets interesting but being denied by the the time the album's coda is reached over and hour later. Yes, I'm looking at you Cold Meat Industry.

There isn't a strong identity to this work and it leaves no impression once you're done listening. I guess I like it better when there's feeling imbued into proceedings like this and "Music to be Buried to" doesn't really have any, although the cover is nicely executed but then I'm a big fan of the style of art they use for their imagery. Out in the moors at night with a wind rustling the reeds, full moon and yet for all the potential you get no hound or even carrion crow. No, once you've finished all you're doing is nodding off. Better luck next time, fellows. Mar 16 2011