Sendelica - 2018 - Cromlech Chronicles III

(62:55; Regal Crabomophone)

Track list:
1. BS 6:39
2. Slow Burner 12:41
3. 12 Shades Revisited 10:58
4. Teifi Marshes 9:14
5. Starflower Blossom 14:40
6. Lost City of Cardiza 8:43

Line-up:
Peter Bingham - guitars, keyboards, electronics, field recordings
Lee Relfe - saxophone
Glenda Pescado - bass
with:
Roger Morgan - piano, synths
Gregory Curvey - drums
Jack Jackson - drums


Prolusion.
UK band Sendelica had one of their more productive years back in 2018, with four studio albums released during the course of that year in addition to a few other productions. The first as well as the fourth of their albums of that year was in their Cromlech Chronicles series of creations, with the second of these kicking off 2018 for Sendelica while the third in the series appeared in the spring. As with the previous installment in the series the album was released through UK label Fruits de Mer records, this time around on their Regal Crabomophone imprint.

Analysis.
While the second installment of the Cromlech Chronicles had a bit of a focus on calmer landscapes with more of an ambient intent, diversity appears to be the focus for "Cromwell Chronicles III". Diversity within a psychedelic rock context of course, but with perhaps a bit more variation than one might expect.

The opening 'BS' kicks off to some Deep Purple style hard rock antics, segues over to a gentler psychedelic expression and concludes on a driving and energetic space rock note. A more relaxed space rock drive defines the following 'Slow Burner', prior to concluding on a more ambient-oriented groove that is. While '12 Shades Revisited' combines a gentler psychedelic expression with a borderline romantic sounding, calm and elegant solo section before drones return for the conclusion.

Tranquil nature sounds segueing over to a slow, careful and dreamladen landscape define the landscape explored on 'Teifi Marshes', while a soft and careful cosmic excursion with alternating elegant and dramatic saxophone solo runs summarize the soundscapes of the following 'Star Flower Blossom'. With the concluding 'Lost City of Cardiza' the guitar riff sails in as a prominent and defining feature with a heavy set backdrop to more of a space rock oriented affair, with what might be a brief nod of the hat towards the opening hard rock attitude of this album before a speed up concludes the song and the album.

On a side note, I do notice that the CD I was sent back in the day and the album information on Sendelica's Bandcamp page differs ever so slightly, with the first and second tracks switching places. While not a matter of actual importance, I feel the need to mention this due to the track by track description I have given of this production.

Sendelica had become a seasoned band by the time of this album, the 15th full length studio production in their discography if I have counted correctly, and they come across as a band that are highly aware of what they want to accomplish and how to go about it on this album. And this is yet another solid part of the band's by now rather extensive discography.

Conclusion.
Those with a wide and liberal taste in various aspects of psychedelic rock and space rock with progressive credentials should feel right at home with this 2018 album by UK band Sendelica, although it perhaps merits a mention that a certain affection for the saxophone as a lead instrument is a bit of a requirement to be able to enjoy what this album has to offer. Apart from that slight caveat, this is a solid album for those who enjoy music of this kind and nature explored in a mainly instrumental manner.

Olav "Progmessor" Björnsen, September 2025

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063315062559
https://www.fruitsdemerrecords.com/