Pilotdrift, "Water Sphere" Good Records
By MICHELLE MORGANTE
Associated Press Writer
09-30-2005 15:40

"Water Sphere," a collection of synthesized symphonic sounds, worldly rhythms, operatic power chords and coffeehouse poetry, is something unlikely to be heard on commercial radio. That's because Pilotdrift's debut album fits no format known to Earth. Mars maybe; perhaps Saturn.

This juxtaposition of truly beautiful harmonics and sparse lyrics is exquisite. It makes me long for the late '70s, when any self-respecting music lover had a quadraphonic stereo system and those huge, cushy headphones that enabled you to envelope yourself in the space-bending sounds of experimental rock.

Instead, I surround myself with Pilotdrift's aura during my drive to the office, much like the corporate workers described in the second cut "Bubblecraft" who rush off in their water spheres, supported by a bossa nova beat.

There are circus rhythms, rocking laments, clever beat changes and bizarre passages that seem to have been channeled from pirates or dark characters of the Victorian era.

The five members of this Texarkana band have come up with something entirely unusual and delicately beautiful.