Pangalactic - Pangalactic

Pangalactic

Pangalactic
self-released; 2015

3.5 out of 5

By Andrew Westberry

First off, the EP Pangalactic by Pangalactic has one of the more creative covers I have ever seen, and it took me more than a few looks to realize what the cover actually depicted. What seems like a cross between a motherboard and spacey rectangles is actually “Pangalactic” spelled out in overlapping letters.

Though a great album cover does not always mean that the album itself will necessarily be great, it usually is a good indication of the quality and creativity of the band. As might be expected from a band called Pangalactic, the EP is somewhat space­based. The first song “Re­Entry Blues” is made up of multiple sections or movements. Alternating between quick surf­rock and atmospheric blues, this multifarious tune reads just like a symphony, albeit one composed of electric guitars, drums and bass. The band does a fantastic job of creating a rich, full-bodied sound in this song, and the stadium­like delay peppered throughout only helps in this aspect.

The second of three songs in the EP “Jumping Ship” sounds like a continuation of the opening track, but it brings in additional sounds and techniques that make it sufficiently novel and fresh. Muted picking and bended chords are predominantly featured, and the percussion moves the song along at a blistering pace. A blend between metal and blues, this song softens the otherwise rough edge of the guitars a bit by lacing them with a good amount of echo and reverb.

Traditionally, the epic of Gligamesh refers to an Akkadian poem, written thousands of years ago, which is considered to be the first great work of literature in the world. Similarly, “Gilgamesh” is epic both in length and content. Tribal drums and chanting begin the song, which transitions into Pangalactic’s typical sound, continuing for the next eight minutes of the song.

This is the only song on the album that contains strings (or at least a guitar tweaked so as to imitate strings) and vocals, giving the tune some variety. This track may be a little too exotic and far­fetched for some listeners, but regardless, it is truly an original piece that complements the rest of the EP.

This EP is the epitome of what can happen when three talented musicians jam together, decide to get serious about their music, and produce an album based off their jam sessions. Although the tracks occasionally drag on, there is enough variation in each song to give listeners ample reason to listen to the three tracks all the way through.

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