Tabula Rasa

Album review

Detroit-area supergroup Infinite River released their first two LPs in 2023, both recalling the free-flowing drones of Michigan's storied space rock scene, but with tanpura and harmonium adding a raga-like sense of serenity. While Space Mirror took the group's sound in a mellower direction than their debut Prequel, their third effort, Tabula Rasa, often does the exact opposite, diving into hard rock and prog influences. Their music still feels a bit loose and jammy, but there are heavier rhythms, bigger riffs, shorter tracks, and actual song titles this time. "Sky Diamonds Raga" begins the album with angular riffs and a hazy smear of guitar effects. "Stars Above" is more restrained and even romantic, perfect for a slow dance. For every floating-in-space moment, though, there are crunchy, driving rockers like "Be the Cyclone That I Need," which roars and stomps in a gleeful, rollicking way. The second side begins with a breezy cover of "My Favorite Things" inspired by both the John Coltrane version and the Sound of Music original -- depending on which bandmember has heard which rendition. "Space Signal" is like a more blissed-out Sonic Youth, with guest vocalist Salem Daly nearly disappearing inside the waves of rushing guitars and cruising drums. "Blessed Unrest" is a daydream reverie which unexpectedly ends in a disjointed, alarming freakout. "Buzzer" has booming drums and chunky riffs, escalating to another monstrous cacophony. The last two songs are melodic, low-tide cooldowns, sounding like the band is relieved to have gotten some stress out of their system. Infinite River established a singular vibe with their first two efforts, but here it seems like they're truly living up to their name, riding a strong current down an unlimited number of directions.

© Paul Simpson /TiVo