China Gate
A thoughtful musical exploration through controlled psychedelia inspired surf rock, yet offering something entirely different, Cul De Sac continues the tradition of energetic, phantasmagoric interludes with this offering of 12 tracks, all taken from one extended and remarbably copious jam session. A journey through ideas represented in adept musicality and out-o-the-box thinking, this cd is for any lover of music with a hard edge and an open mind.
Rating: 
(out of 3 reviews)
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Review by Yet another old guy for China Gate
Rating:
OK, let’s try a more descriptive review.This album is primarily intrumental electric guitar, bass guitar, somewhat jazz-style drumming, with various accompaniment by synthesizers and odd noises. This music does have a 60′s and 70′s ‘spacey’ sound to it, but definitely updated. It is closer to surf music than Hendrix. It certainly isn’t Clapton. I suppose there are elements similar to mid-period Pink Floyd, but not as structured. Even though the guitars sometimes have some serious distortion, it’s nothing like grunge. It is somewhat similar to the best intrumental efforts of Can or the Far East Family Band, if that helps anybody.Um, let’s see… the guitar intrumentals are melodic; I sometimes find my self humming parts of the tunes. Many of the tracks start out quietly with one or two instruments building up to something. This makes most of the tracks fairly long (not a bad thing in my opinion).This is headphones music, not party music. Now that I think about it, it has some ‘ambient music’ elements to it. I tend to think about other things while it’s playing.If any of the above sounds like what you like, you won’t be sorry. I doubt you’d ever hear any of this album on a radio station unless you live near a university. I gave 4 stars because I like other albums better, but I wouldn’t sell this one either.Just be sure to skip the short vocal tracks “China Gate” and the reprise. Eesh. Sorry, but that ain’t music.
Review by Daniel Sanders for China Gate
Rating:
The above reviewer, unfortunately isn’t in touch with the prog-rock scene. Cul de Sac is much like Godspeed, You Black Emporer or Explosions in the Sky–maybe a toned down Oxes or Lynx. They are reminiscent of some of Hood’s later work (the instrumentals & Cold House).
Most notably I will insist that the listener pay close attention to the two vocal tracks, “China Gate” and “Reprise” since these are a direct nod to Sun Ra. Sun Ra (the man from Saturn) was able to do with jazz music many of the things that Cul De Sac are attempting to do with rock music–push boundaries, expand consciousness, explore.
This album is a great starting point for anyone looking for challenging music, music that demands attention.
Review by for China Gate
Rating:
This is a wonderful cd. The songs made me feel like I was at a thundercon convention. Spock and Captain Kirk were flying on my 3D chess board. Cul De Sac transported me onto the deck of the starship Enterprise. If you love Star Trek like I do this album is a can’t miss.