Local Review: Subterranean Masquerade – Suspended Animation Dreams

Subterranean Masquerade
Suspended Animation Dreams

The End Records
SM = Pink Floyd + Polyphonic Spree + Katatonia + Paradise Lost + Tommy

Subterranean Masquerade’s much-anticipated first full-length album picks up where two-song EP Temporary Psychotic State left off, giving us Pink Floyd psychedelia, Porcupine Tree/Devin Townsend prog rock and 60s Tommy concept-rock-opera insanity, but blended together in a mixture that is all its own. Some moments (the five-or-six-voice choral moments) remind of the supra-upbeat Polyphonic Spree. Seven-minute opus “No Place Like Home” is one of the best tracks, with its heartbreaking, mournful violin, gentle piano, harmonized vocals and sludge-guitar chorus. A lot of Suspended Animation Dreams has certain world music overtones; Middle Eastern forays, dulcimer, gypsy fiddle, etc. Spoken word is courtesy of local producer/Misfits Toys mini-guitarist Samuel Johnson and SLUG’s own graphic designer Sarah Pendleton! Jake Depolittle (Union of the Snake) plays guitars and bass; Willis Clow (SLAJO) plays guitars and mandolin; Wendy Jernigan (ex-COSM) sings in “Awake.” Mike Sartain guest vocals on “The Rock N’ Roll Preacher.” www.submasq.com