(c) Anna Sieger
Loosely knotted carpets of sound make up the musical backbone of Rulaman the end. Founded in Stuttgart in 2015 as The Hace, following the release of the first EP, a change in the line-up on drums and the transition from quartet to trio led to the change to the current name. Another small format, conceptual for the first time, now follows „To Serve The Dune“: Rulaman dare the album format and, according to their own statements, deal with the depths of the psyche and the cold months.
The sympathetic intensity of the opening “Bitkin (Wake)” leads first of all (skillfully) on the wrong track. Rock-heavyness, Felix Berns’ slightly cutting and at the same time haunting voice as well as the bold rhythm are reminiscent of more compact Black Space Riders, before the first of many caesuras on this record indicates exciting shallows. The following “ThirtyNine” ventures into it, declares the vocals as an additional instrument and balances on narrow paths – slightly shaky, a bit nervous and yet with a constant goal in mind. This unreality creates tension.
And there’s plenty of excitement on this first album, especially in the overly long songs. For example, there is “Creatures”, a purely instrumental digression, whose sampling sometimes squints in the direction of Post Rock, before the second half reveals playful, demanding and fascinating soundscapes. All of a sudden Rulaman sink and reappear late. In the concluding “mantra” the trio actually first prays down the same. The lead guitar surprises with classic rock solo work, all around a bit of friendliness shimmers through – almost hopeful and yet so close to completely drifting off into one’s own failure.
Rulaman skilfully let themselves drift, although at least at first they never felt quite sure which goal they were actually heading for. In this seemingly spontaneous energy, however, lies the great appeal of this album, which certainly plays anything but classic Psychedelic Rock. “To Serve The Dune” certainly understands washed-out, cerebral and elegiac spheres, but also appreciates heayvness, classic rock, roasting power and sympathetic cheerfulness. The idiosyncratic yet pleasing approach entertains from start to finish and definitively establishes Rulaman.
Rating: 8/10
Available from: 01/27/2023
Available through: Tonzonen Records (Soulfood Music)
Website: www.rulamanmusic.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RulamanBand
Category: Magazin, Reviews