Kayo Dot is still creating music that's "eerie as fuck," but that comes as no surprise. The band seems to follow no set of guidelines when it comes to writing music. Toby Driver's voice is the only certain thing that can be heard over the sounds Kayo Dot makes. Not to say that the music is uncertain, but it is usually incomprehensible and extremely free flowing. Blue Lambency Downward continues Kayo Dot's legacy as an esoteric musical endeavor. Without a doubt, the band has improved from their previous release, Dowsing Anemone with Copper Tongue.
The title track, "Blue Lambency Downward," defines the rest of the album perfectly; it can only be described as some kind of free-form space jazz. No other vocals would fit over this bizarre and satisfying music but Toby Driver's. "The Awkward Wind Wheel" starts with intensity that's unrivaled by the other tracks on the album. It goes on to sound like it has been orchestrated by a new-age astronaut on a voyage to uncharted extragalactic territories. The strings, horns, and noises combine for a very pleasurable aural experience.
Indescribable noises and sounds pervade each and every track on Blue Lambency Downward. It's surprising that these musicians can remember all of the nuances of their music. Sure, they wrote it, but performing it live must present some challenges. Either way, the bizarre song structures can attest to the artists' talent.
Don't put on Blue Lambency Downward at a party - people wouldn't know what to do; this is the kind of music you listen to when you're alone and attentive. The album flows together so smoothly that it's virtually impossible to distinguish between the end of one song and the beginning of another. Kayo Dot's records should be listened to all at once. Sure, the band gave titles to the seven separate songs, but Blue Lambency Downward is undoubtedly one ongoing song, divided into different segments simply so listeners can readily references certain parts (plus it makes it a lot easier to review that way).
Check out the album for free while it's streaming here.
