Selim Lemouchi & His Enemies - Earth Air Spirit Water Fire (2013)

With a very exciting 2013 in terms of music, Ván Records unleashes “Earth Air Spirit Water Fire” just in the nick of time to make it to countless top 10 of the year lists. Selim Lemouchi & His Enemies delivers five tracks of magical (and sometimes very unsettling) Psychedelic Rock in this unique release. Being less heavy, and more mystical than any of The Devil’s Blood releases, Selim manages to create a very unique atmosphere that nicely flows from start to end.

Opening with the 10-minute “Chiaroscuro”, we get quite a mood setting introduction with some deranged ramblings in some audio-clips followed by a very hypnotic build-up. The vocal arrangements on this track are top-notch and create a very eerie vibe. Farida Lemouchi lends her talents to this very ritualistic and creepy song, marking a very atmospheric and unsettling opening to this release. The psychedelic brilliance continues with the emotive “Next Stop, Universe B.”, where we hear Selim’s signature guitar work in a very retro environment.

The relaxing “The Deep, Dark Waters” keeps the flow of the album going by delivering a very slow and soothing track with filled with brilliant melodic elements. As the ethereal interlude splits the song, the rest of the track picks up the pace with brilliant psychedelic rock guitars and a very organic sound. Moving into more Ambient/Drone territories, “The Ghost of Valentine” creates a very unique sonic experience.

Closing with “Molasses”, a vibrant bass guitar line introduces this excellent song. Featuring a wide variety of instruments, sounds, and moods, this track is definitely the most complete and lush in this very well-crafted release. There are tons of magical little details that when layered together with Farida’s vocals create magical experience. As a whole, “Earth Air Spirit Water Fire” is one of the best well-made releases of 2013. Every track is nearly perfect and never alienates the listener. Selim Lemouchi & His Enemies has managed to elevate Psychedelic Rock to a whole new level, and you better not miss out on this experience.

Label: Ván Records

Release: December 6th, 2013

Genre: Psychedelic Rock

Country: Netherlands