Secret Chiefs 3: Satellite Supersonic Vol. 1 (Mimicry, 5/25/10)
Secret Chiefs 3: UR: “Circumambulation”
[audio:https://alarm-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Secret_Chiefs_3_UR_Circumambulation.mp3|titles=Secret Chiefs 3: UR: “Circumambulation”]
Each orbiting the musical genius of Trey Spruance, the Secret Chiefs 3 satellite groups each represent a different sonic dimension of the band’s expansive, undefinable sound. Following Traditionalists‘ full-length take on Italy’s giallo movement, Satellite Supersonic Vol. 1 mostly collects seven-inch material from SC3 subgroups UR, Ishraqiyyun, and Electromagnetic Azoth.
UR, the Chiefs’ “suprasensory surf” squad, presents three tracks of heavily tremolo-ed rock guitar surrounded by synthesized sounds, Eastern instrumentation, and epic motifs. Spruance’s most Eastern-infused ensemble, Ishraqiyyun retains a masterful balance between each side of the globe, as psychedelic and electronic elements are entangled with the Indian sarangi and an electrified Persian setar.