A Long Hereafter / Nothing beyond (2012)
Al Berkowitz is the name of a Spanish psychedelic music band with a tasteful laid back sound. The Madrid-based Al Berkowitz cites Robert Wyatt, Scott Walker, Talk Talk, Syd Barrett’s Pink Floyd, Talking Heads, and Radiohead as its influences. To me, the Syd Barrett and Robert Wyatt influence is evident but I also find some elements of Jim Morrison in the vocals.
I have to admit that I much prefer the progressive side of psychedelic music developed in the 1970s and Gilmour’s Pink Floyd. Al Berkowitz navigates the waters of early psychedelia and current dream pop. Multi-instrumentalist Ignacio Simón provides the backbone of the music with memorable guitar melodies and electronic ambience. With a pop format of primarily short songs, there is little opportunity for instrumental development. Short as they are, the pleasurable vocals and guitars blend seamlessly.
The album is divided into two parts. The second one, Nothing Beyond, features some more uptempo material.
The lineup includes Ignacio Simón on vocals, guitars, bass, piano, keyboards, percussion and sound effects; Santiago Estrada on vocals, electric bass and percussion; and Lorenzo Palomares on drums and percussion.
A Long Hereafter / Nothing Beyond is a gracefully elegant album that will appeal to the fans of tranquil psychedelic music.