On the new double LP, “Where Does Your Mind Go?”, Expo ‘70 mastermind Justin Wright has his best document yet of his immersive sound. Comparisons have been made to Tangerine Dream, Hawkwind, and other touchstones, but this LP makes it clearer than ever that this is a comprehensive vision at work that both acknowledges these past elements and creates music with a number of unique, deep edges.
The four sidelong pieces here are all very immersive, roiling and mysterious, but very defined—not too many sounds or instruments are in play at any time, creating a space that allows the pieces to breathe in a unique way. The droning of the synth sound bed contrasts with fragmentary lead textures, with synths and guitar textures looming gradually, then receding as if one is floating past them—a heady sense of movement. The album never gets super loud or blasting, but feels very heavy nonetheless.
There is a sense of confidence that has always been present, but which now is undeniable and allows for the use of familiar elements that are clearly in the right hands here. Wright and his collaborator, Matt Hill (Umberto), employ classic Moog space-filter sweeps and stereotypically druggy, uber-heroic imagery to great effect—see the closer, “Ancient Hawk Soul Takes Flight”—but the result is never cheesy or out of place. In fact, these features serve to deepen the experience, enriching the sonic environment in a big way. Elsewhere, “Transgressing Outward Which Is Inward” features among the synths some dark and dissonant piano that grows from single notes to a frenzied flurry, which suggests exciting new directions, as broad and expansive as the crepuscular cover art.
Chicago’s excellent young label Immune Recordings has put out less than a dozen releases, but this one will hopefully serve as a calling card for both label and artist. Expo ‘70 listeners know at this point what they’re getting, but the sound is refined and focused here, and its quality is apparent more than ever. If you want to turn on and tune in, this will drop you way out, more than almost anything else out there. And be sure to catch Expo ‘70 on the long accompanying tour.
Immune Recordings
9/10
