Andee Blacksugar’s Return Of The King, his Godfather Part III…his Dark Knight Rises even! If you’re picking up what I’m throwing down then you get that we’re at the final part of a trilogy and like many a third in a cinematic tale, what fans are getting is something really freakin’ epic.
The culmination of a story told over almost fifty tracks by multi-instrumentalist Andee Blacksugar as Black Sugar Transmission, Dream Finisher might be an end for this particular tale but signaled a bright beginning and a shining sonic beacon in a year that yielded few high notes.
In the massive trilogy of sound, Dream Finisher definitely has its’ place within the tapestry but the beauty of all of the records released is how unique each are on their own. And frankly, none are more unique than this latest beast.
“Easy Way” is a pulsating thing of perfect precision beginning the final chapter like T.Rex fronted by Damon Albarn (Or Ziggy Stardust making Outside) and capturing all the ’70’s Glam Rawk feels in this massive opener. “Turn The Screw” is urgent with glimmering, glistening guitars from Blacksugar while “Twatted” aims for some alternative Psych Rawk by merging Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots-style experimentation and tempers it with Pulp’s steadfast Pop sensibilities.
“A Prayer, Trapped” travels to Medazzaland and later, Blacksugar’s falsetto on “Thrill Of A Lifetime” is almost as divine as the divinity being layed down by his guitar playing. “Counting Out The Sunsets” is a synth-laden fuzzed out Groove fest with these huge bass sounds from Adam James as Blacksugar’s vocals playfully bounce through it all and then “Spinaway” is built from Grunge-y guitar tones with Blacksugar’s broad vocal passages shining and shimmering.
If we lived in a day and age where singles meant anything then “Riddle Forever” could easily be one of those things but what we’re really trying to say is that the song is fucking great…and catchy as hell as it dances and delights. Almost an echo to that aforementioned track, “Meter Is Running” delves more into an accessible synth sound with James’ bass bravado bringing a New Wave aesthetic as well and a John Taylor-style hum.
Blacksugar’s guitars are at the forefront of “Don’t Make It Easier” while “Life’s A Memory” is a fun, futuristic-sounding romp before “Endtimes” fittingly closes up this particular movement in the superb symphony of Black Sugar Transmission with a whispered line: “Go back to sleep now”
Dream Finisher is out now! You can hear it and/or purchase your very own copy by heading here right now. For more on Black Sugar Transmission, make sure to follow the socials by clicking here, here, or here.