Mythic Sunship – Light/Flux
Release Date: 30th September 2022
Label: Tee Pee Records
Bandcamp
Genre: Psychedelic, Progressive Rock, Jazz.
FFO: Earthless, John Coltrane, Naxatras, Miles Davis.
Review By: Anthony Petitt
Light/Flux is the sixth album from Danish quintet Mythic Sunship. Opener Aurora introduces the record with phaser-soaked guitar, soon joined by tribal-sounding drums, a smooth bass line, and finally, the sweet sounds of saxophone to overlay it all. The song takes its time and has a flow to it, like a jazzier version of Planet Caravan. The band revs up the intensity at about five minutes in, but never loses the feel of the song.
Blood Moon plays around with some interesting stereo panning effects that make for a great headphone experience. The drums played here share a similar approach to Aurora, but even more minimalistic. Far less raucous than the first song, the piece has a very “soundtracky” feel to it, dramatic and exciting. In contrast, Equinox feels like you’ve been dropped into a jam already in progress. It has a frenzied, spontaneous feel, like part of an extended version of Dazed and Confused or Whole Lotta Love. I almost wish that there was more of a build up to be found, to make the tune really feel earned. Equinox is still an enjoyable listen, but as it is, it’s more of a snapshot than a proper song.
Psychedelic Jazz is on full display on the majorly compelling Decomposition. This one is full of interplay between the players and odd time signatures, but it’s not a tough listen at all. The drums serve as an anchor, as the guitars and other accompanying instruments float above with abandon. It’s a treat to hear musicians unencumbered by a limiting structure, free to create at the “speed of inspiration” (as someone much wiser than I once described it).
Tempest sounds like it could be from either 2022 or 1972. Pure unadulterated jamming, you love to see it (or hear it in this case). Closer First Frost feels like a reprise of Aurora, sharing similarities in the guitar, bass, and drum departments. It’s a nice full circle moment, even without an appearance from the sax. Light/Flux has an admirable variety to it, every song manages to have its own identity, while still retaining that Mythic Sunship sheen. 
(4.5 / 5)
