Hubardo [CD]

CD reissue. Finally back in print, the seventh studio album by the veteran avant-garde band Kayo Dot. Meaning "lantern" or "lamp" in the Enochian language of 16th century magicians John Dee and Edward Kelley, Hubardo follows the epic and heartbreaking narrative of a meteor falling to earth and the alchemical transformation of a lonely poet observer. This album displays aspects of the band's many forms, even moments that hark back to the act's former identity, Maudlin of the Well (including an appearance by MOTW vocalist Jason Byron). It is a dizzying trip through genres and moods that blossoms in wild directions, an out-of-control chemical reaction. From beautiful post-rock passages and demented ballads to tripped-out '70s prog fusion, jazz and black metal, Hubardo masterfully incorporates just about every style imaginable during it's nearly 100 minute run time.