The Space Wizards - Adding Color

The Space Wizards

Adding Color
self-released; 2019

​4.1 out of 5 - TOP ALBUM

By Rebecca Rothschild

Here's a ballsy band name for ya, The Space Wizards. I mean really? You're just gonna bridge broad, sweeping genres between the likes of Tolkien and Roddenberry with a single handle? The audacity! If you're coming at me with a name like that you better come out swinging with some goddamn fantastical science fiction magic. I'm not just a science fiction fan, I'm a science fiction WRITER which makes me all the more dangerous should this album not deliver. Nerds like me are jaded and cynical. My fangs are razor sharp from gnawing away on the bones of movies, books and comics many times over. So, The Space Wizards has delivered unto me their latest album, Adding Color and what say me?  I am completely over the intergalactic moons for this thing.

Fantastical science fiction magic only begins to describe what you're getting with this otherworldly rock album. Bluesy, rootsy guitar twanging electronic rock layered with psychedelic and experimental elements. It's groovy, jazzy, fizzy and sometimes just downright insane. There were times I wanted to bang my head; other times I was looking for my dancing shoes. It's a great album if you're taking a road trip to the edge of the galaxy. I have been on a serious classic and hard rock streak lately and then one thing that keeps getting stuck in my craw is how dated so many of these albums sound. The Space Wizards has written several love letters to several genres in these songs and yet, you cannot mistaken this album for something you've heard before.

So what is the source of this magic? First thing that stood out to me, drums. The percussive instincts on this album command respect and more importantly, body movement. Song structure on this album is a playful and unruly concept. The drumming on here does a great job of bringing your foot on the ground as you slide through transitions. As for guitar work on here, you'll will get a full ranged experience. You'll visit different decades and entertain many schools of thought when it comes to the instrument. If you think about it too hard, you'll be exhausted thinking about all the places you've been through guitar playing alone on this album. There's also the incredible vocal performances. It's with the vocals that the album finds a cohesion. It's a strong vein, and it works with EVERY track. Those pipes are downright swoon worthy. Last but not least, the lyrics. I'll just say, these are words to live by. The production choices on here were solid. There may be a few snafus here or there or things I didn't totally agree with, BUT overall, just solid.

​It almost makes me sick how big the grin on my face was the entire time I was listening to Adding Color. I want to extend a congratulations to this three-piece sensation from Montreal. This album is an elsewhere treasure and I am truly fond of it.

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