MICHAEL C. SHARP "End Times In Babylon"

MICHAEL C. SHARP

"End Times In Babylon"

Although heavy metal is the bulk of what I listen to and always will be, I do have a liking for other kinds of music. Space rock and cosmic sounding ambient sound is another interest of the Good Doctor's and "End Times In Babylon" for sure is an example of this highly specialized form of music.

Michael C Sharp is apparently the mastermind of a psychedelic band called Sungod as well as the drummer for a punk band called The Impalers. "End Times" is 100% Sharp's baby as he literally does everything here. This is a vocal-less instrumental project heavy on analog synth sounds, looped sound sequences and constant repetition. First track "The Plants Grow As They Wish" sets the template for the rest of the album...the track starts full blast into a looped and repeating arpeggio sequence with some clean electric guitar added. There's no build or gradual lead-in, this starts almost like somebody hit a switch. It's definitely in the vein of the krautrock of the early 70's, the subgenre sometimes known as "kosmiche" music. Futuristic yet retro as well.

Sharp doesn't rock the boat much between tracks, they all bleed into each other and most are in the same vein. "Yes You" is a bit more propulsive, with a steady electronic beat and sounds like it could be from the soundtrack to one of those Italian Road Warrior ripoffs of the 80's. "How Many Found God Watching" is the opposite...the most purely ambient cut with no beats at all. Pure space synth blissfulness. The concluding title track is nowhere near as grim as the name would indicate and has a happy kind of feel.

At several points, the monotony of the constant looping gets a little wearying but on the whole, this is pleasing cosmic space music with no distracting vocals. A sound track to a tour of the solar system, good for unwinding and contemplation...

MICHAEL C. SHARP