The Lost Stoned Pandas - Dark Side of the Noom

 Frg Records

The Lost Stoned Pandas is, more or less, a different version of Welsh psych/space rock band Sendelica making a bit more electronic/ambient music. Dark Side of the Noom is already their fifth release and a very tasty one. Released on three different vinyl editions (one of which also includes an exclusive lathe-cut), CD and digital it should please to all fans of ambient space rock and psychedelic electronic music. Although we have the bass, guitar and drums from Sendelica Colin Consterdine's cosmic sound engineering is playing a huge part of the overal sound. We also have Chris Mekon on board with his electronics as well as viola and violin players to also give the album some more organic vibe. What a great combination!

What we have here is one long title track on side 2 and three shorter pieces on side 1. The totally instrumetal album begins with "Dark Side of the Noom (dub mix)" that to me brings back memories of the electronic, psychedelic ambient/dub (sub)culture of the 90s UK (Banco de Gaia, Children of the Bong, Divine Soma Experience etc.) that I used to love. "Interregnum" is a very nice, atmospheric piece where the strings are playing an important role. "Luna Sunrise (Strings Mix)" is more ambient in nature and the shortest track at 5:14. Beautiful! The second side of the LP is filled with the closer to 20-minute title track. It is a rather laid-back, although sort of majestic, very pleasant and floating trip that I really enjoy. Again, lots of strings to give a more earthly vibe. Excellent! Like before, all editions are rather limited so hurry up if you want your piece of this ambient mind candy!

sendelica.bandcamp.com