Artist: Lansing-Dreiden
Album: The Dividing Island
Label: Kemado Records
Tracks: 10
Length" 36:44
Review By: Jacob Gehman

Psychedelic rock is generally not a genre much visited anymore by modern acts. Dungen's break out album last year was a startling wake up call for labels that there is a scene ready for this. Interestingly, Kemado also brought the Dungen album state-side, so it appears they still have the corner on this market.

Despite a similar atmosphere, and the big potential for an intersecting fan base, these are definitely two different bands. Dungen is more frantic with their sound and aren't afraid to layer sound upon sound while Lansing-Dreiden makes things sparser and with less ado. They are also more willing to jump genres, at times taking on more of an electronic feel ("Part of the Promise") and others 80s sounding pop (the marvelous "Two Extremes").

Despite the good songs here and there Lansing-Dreiden rings sort of hollow with me. The closest reason I can think of as to what might cause that is the mix/production of the album. It lacks any kind of punch, while also sounding kind of robotic thus loosing the emotional connection.

However, if you've been nostalgic for psychedelic oldies of years past, or just got into that general feeling with Dungen, check this release out. It may not be totally satisfying, but it is worth the listen.