Jennifer Gentle seem to be one of those bands that strive to explore every end of the psychedelic spectrum; from the kaleidoscopic psych-pop of their new full length on Sub Pop to the two sides of deep, dark space explorations on this slab of wax (which themselves differ greatly in approach). What I was able to find of the band?s newer work was such a far cry from the ?Sacramento Sessions/5 of 3? that at first I thought there may actually be two different bands that exist under the moniker of Jennifer Gentle. Personally I?d prefer to forgo my knowledge of their Sub Pop recording and just pretend that the ?Sacramento Sessions/5of3? is the only Jennifer Gentle record in existence.

For those who enjoy their psychedelia with dark menacing undertones this is the Jennifer Gentle the one for you. With no vocals, no choruses, no hooks and no blatant reference to the Beatles this record offers up nothing but primal mind-fuck explorations. The first side features a live take of Jennifer Gentle as a full five-piece band. Building from a slow ebb and flow of abstract sounds the drummer and the bass player eventually find their way towards building a slight grooving structure around which the other members weave their shimmering sounds in and out. The manner in which this live jam enfolds is nothing particularly new in the world of space rack, but the execution is spot on to the point that it rivals many a band that specializes in this brain frying stew.

The second side, a solo studio exploration by bandleader Marco Fasolo, takes a different turn. Employing electronics and tape loops Fasolo develops a fierce icy-cold wind that engulfs the listener, sending chills to the spine and reminding one that dark winter nights will soon be upon us again. 10/10 -- Cory Card (5 September, 2007)