Description
Originally the Summer Sessions were intended as a side project for the band – a chance to explore their love for other genres such as American free jazz, krautrock, 1970s soundtracks, as well as the psychedelia and detuned stoner-rock that characterized Causa Sui’s first two albums. But these three albums came to define the band, and have become become modern classics of psychedelia and progressive rock since their were initially released ten years ago. In a scene often characterized by loyalty to a specific period, there’s something refreshing about Causa Sui’s eclectic approach.
With several guest appearances by Coltrane-devotee Johan Riedenlow on sax and electronics wiz Rasmus Rasmussen, Causa Sui venture far beyond stoner-rock platitudes. Take the grandiose opening statement for example – the 24 minute ”Visions of Summer” taking up the entire A-side: here new and old sounds dissolve in a mindbending excursion that recalls Future Days-era Can, breezy tropicalia or Herbie Hancocks Mwandishi group, as much as it sparks associations to Kyuss or Hendrix.
Other tracks, such as the frenetic Rip Tide (vol. 2), heads into straight up free jazz territory with Riedenlow going absolutely bonkers on the sax. But this set also allows plenty of room for savory, atmospheric pieces such as the sun-drenched ”Venice by the Sea” (vol. 3) or the Morricone-esque ”Cinecitta” (vol. 2).
Praise for Summer Sessions:
Causa Sui, psychedelic/desert-space rock band from Denmark, effortlessly takes the prime trimmings of almost every element rock has to offer and propagates a sensation of their own…It’s almost impossible to not appreciate the groovy jazz-rock bass lines of Jess Kahr, the endless expressive jazz styles of drummer Jakob Skøtt, and most importantly the extravagant lead guitar and keyboard work of Jonas Munk…These enduring works of art must be beheld by the likes of rock enthusiasts and/or anyone wishing to seek what psychedelic-rock has to offer. For a modern psychedelic/jazz-fusion/jam rock album, Summer Sessions is as essential as it gets.
-Sputnik Music
Formed in the late summer of 2004, this Danish four-piece unashamedly reference such esteemed cosmic talents as Blue Cheer, Amon DĂĽĂĽl II and Ash Ra Tempel. Yes, it’s another improv quest for the heart of sonic enlightenment, but they do it with a conviction, dexterity and drive that few modern bands possess.
-Mojo
This is space music, that flows as a lysergic trip with poetic flights that remind us of the cosmic couriers, and also derives from the most free-jazz contaminated by rock music.
-Vincebus Eruptum
