With Shelter from the Ash, guitarist Ben Chasny (of psychedelic rock band Comets on Fire) returns to the lonely recesses of his dry, desert-like contemplation. Chasny, who titles his solo project Six Organs of Admittance, opts for repetition and drone through virtuosic guitar picking.
Reminiscent of Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour’s solo material, Shelter From The Ash succeeds when Chasny utilizes distortion and his collected bandmates, including guitarist Tim Green of The Fucking Champs. The additional instruments — vibes, Wurlitzer, drums, and bowed cymbals — of his guests provide dynamic layers, echoing the best moments of rock improvisationalists Ghost.
An interesting dynamic occurs in “Coming To Get You” with the distorted noise improvisation of Elisa Ambrogio (The Magik Markers), giving depth behind the often slow, dirty walk through Chasny’s Southwestern mind. Two other standout tracks provide more than acoustic drone: “Final Wing,” layered with feedback, filters into a semi-prog finish, and the title track excels with a relentless cadence.
Much of the album’s lyrical content is fueled by an interest in philosopher Henry Corbin, specifically his works regarding the metaphysics of the heart. It’s a sad and contemplative record, but a soundscape best to use for one’s own interpretations of the world rather than Chasny’s cryptic summations.
– Ryan McCarthy
Six Organs of Admittance: www.sixorgans.com
Drag City: www.dragcity.com