Montibus Communitas: The Pilgrim to the Absolute Review

Following up their 2013 release, Harvest Times, Montibus Communitas are back with an immersive, sonic experience compiled from past jams and improvisational sessions. Prepare to be taken on a journey like no other, and become a pilgrim to the absolute. - Written by Daniel Sharman.


{Read our interview with Montibus Communitas here}

Released in: September 2014

Genre: Roots Psychedelia

Record Label: Beyond Beyond is Beyond

Medium: Digital download, Black Vinyl, Glow-in-the-dark Vinyl (limited edition), CD

Recorded at: Member's Home Studio

Before listening to this record, I strongly advise wearing headphones as the LP focuses heavily of sonic manipulation to give a rich, and immersive experience. To pick up on the detail and nuances contained within the record, headphones really are the only way to listen.

Being a concept album (based upon a book written by one of the band members), Pilgrim to the Absolute melds the track listings with geographical locations to give the illusion that you, the listener, are in fact a pilgrim on a journey to an unknown location. In doing this, it makes for a relaxing and calming experience, reminiscent of a guided meditation or suchlike.

The record kicks off with 'The Pilgrim Under Stars', and 8 minute opener that sets the tone and pace for the rest of the record. The track utilises several post-recording techniques such as added reverb, panning, drones, and I wouldn't be surprised to hear some of the environmental sounds such as the gushing river, or chirping birds, were added in after-the-fact also. The tracks starts off in a slow, nature-orientated ambience before slowly rising into a gentle crescendo, incorporating shakers, flutes, organ, and calm electric guitars. 

After this 'setting-of-the-scene', and putting you on the course of your journey, you come to The Woods. This Woods is a seemingly more sinister, or possibly more wild, environment than that of the stars with a blistering opening set of guitar phrases. A bongo beat then leads into a second, this time western-esque, crescendo. This latter crescendo being reminiscent of the musical scores which accompanied so many final-act duels in the golden era of cinema. 

The Shrine carries on much of the motifs contained within The Woods, using a consistent drum beat to create a canvas for playful flutes, violins, and chants to dance upon. However, The Source, the first single released from this new album, creates a somewhat different atmosphere with a chugging, delayed guitar riff. This electric guitar being an instrument not too commonly heard on Montibus Communitas' records. The riffage leads to almost trance of sorts, a call to the ritualistic Shaman drumming conducted within so many Native American and African tribes.

Our last sonic stop before we reach The Absolute, and complete our journey, is The Light Masters. Going back to the effects used on the first track of the LP, we experience more post-recording elements such as panning, and ultra-sound. Cascading rhythmic shaking, and groaning warbles, give the track an odd tranquillity, evocative of some far-eastern temples of worship. 

Eventually, we reach the eponymous Source, completing our pilgrimage. This closing track lives up to its name by boasting an expansive sound, filled with reverberated bird calls, monastery-esque organ work, and airy flute passages. The organ's chords keep the return of the gurgling river in its place, and small, assorted chordophone phrases keep the track moving onwards.

Critic's Comment: A conceptual album such as this could seem pretentious and needlessly lofty to those on the receiving end of this album's recommendation, but once you begin listening, and give yourself over to the unusual presentation of the record, Pilgrim to the Absolute is a thoroughly enjoyable listen. If you don't favour hard-hitting psychedelia that is always looking to grab you by the throat, then this could be an LP for you. Worthy of the title 'psychedelic', this is a record that can transport you away from your usual time and place, and into a foreign continuum. 

You can pick up the new record here, out on Beyond Beyond is Beyond (read our interview here).