Roster McCabe’s sound is above all else, rich. It’s thick, it’s palpable, it is as if you were swimming inside of each track as they envelope you. I was such a fan of their debut disc The Rhythm/The Elements (2007) that I couldn’t wait to digest every last morsel of Through Space & Time.

Through Space & Time is the natural evolution of Roster McCabe’s signature fusion of funk, reggae, soul, and rock. In fact, I think that the circumvention of genres and adoption of audio “moods” is the pinnacle mission of this band. Although this series of tracks is unique, inventive, and well-executed, what seems to lasso them all in to one package is that they share a common moxy or mood. These are not songs, they are recorded, encapsulated emotions. That mood, or the search for descriptors of such, defines the pleasurable challenge for the listener.

Closing my eyes for the first listen, I’m at a loss for any sort of conventional taxonomy. Instead I describe this disc in adjectives in the likes of: dark, smokey, rainy, electric, nebulous. The themes of all songs seem to have layered meanings, enigmatic in their many facets of interpretation. More importantly, while thoughts of love, passion, and longing are present in the tracks, they are wrapped and woven into a fabric of ideas that transcend the typical cliche accessibility of top 40 pop. Thoughts of affection and lust are described as glowing. Challenges and fortitude are described as a ship lost at sea. Loss and hope are described by the night time skyscape. Imagery is abundant and radiant on Through Space & Time.

Instrumentally, the enveloping quality of sound schema is remarkable – the shimmering product of the incredible musicianship of these guys and the spot-on mixing and mastering of Paul Marino and Brian Gardener. Drums are acoustic and raw, punctuating every thought with impulse and impact. The bass is almost liquid, seeping and emulsifying itself in to the ear. Keyboards and guitars are omnipresent,sharp and crunchy when they need to be, smooth and sexy otherwise. All of these sounds are integrated with Steele’s velvet tenor voice that reaches and stabs at every notion of each song. Infused with one another, all of these sounds create an immersion for the listener.

It goes without saying that it is difficult to express my thoughts on this album in typical music terminology. Sure, the instruments are played with mastery and the lyrics are written with creative persuasion, but Roster McCabe has earned a permanent spot on my shelf for their ability to create an experience that is greater than the some of its components. When I put this disc in, I want it to be raining outside, I want to sit at my window and smoke a clove cigarette and day dream. I want to smell colors of the album artwork and taste the essence of each note. If kids in the 70′s sat on their floor of their bedroom and thought wistfully about Dark Side of the Moon, I’m certainly tempted to do the same about Through Space & Time.

The Good: Every element on this disc is purpose-driven. Any semblance of filler is absent from this disc – it was created with thought, intent and above all else, creative conviction.

The Bad: This is disc deserves an active first listen. Passive music lovers need not apply.

Verdict: This disc is a solid release from one of my favorite bands. It’s colorful, it is an experience, and it is delicious. I have to thank Pandora for this one, I’m eternally grateful.

Roster McCabe – All It Takes

Roster McCabe – Oracle

Free Through Space and Time CD Giveaway

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Question: What is the best acoustic element of these tracks we posted? We are looking for specific things (punchy snare drum, synthesizer polyphony, etc.)

The best two commenters will receive a free hard copy of the Through Space & Time, courtesy of Amy from Proud Honeybee Productions. If we get enough responses, we’ll add a reader poll to pick the best two, or otherwise, we’ll just pick it on good faith.