The Links - 2023 - Outside [mini-review]

(33:56; The Links)

US band The Links are out with the album "Outside", and this is a production that might also be of interest to fans of progressive rock. At a core level, I guess this album in essence should be classified under the noise rock umbrella, as a recurring and often important element of the music here is the use of noise-infused guitar riffs and distorted guitar elements with that kind of feel to it, and occasionally with a bit of a punk tinge to them to boot. But a perhaps even more important element for the album as a whole is the use of more gentle sounding distorted floating and flowing guitar details and reverbs of the kind that adds a very distinct psychedelic vibe to the proceedings here, in this case at times with a bit of an Americana touch applied at times. Some of the rhythm details comes with a little bit of a jazz orientation too, and on quite a few of the songs we also get a similar kind of indie rock flavored nervous angst of the kind that defined a band like Radiohead back when they released the historical "OK Computer" album. The mood and atmosphere of this production comes with a bit of an otherworldly feel to it too, in this case of the kind that merits an internal recollection of the theme music for Twilight Zone. An album to seek out by those who find the notion of a somewhat unnerving blend of noise rock and psychedelic rock to be generally interesting, especially when given a little bit of an angst seasoning Radiohead style.

Olav "Progmessor" Björnsen, November 2023

Links:
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