WL//WH Review: THE TELESCOPES “Halo Moon” LP [Tapete Records]

Stephen Lawrie (The Telescopes), photo credit Butterfly House

On September 27, The Telescopes (UK) published their brand-new “Halo Moon” LP through Tapete Records (Germany). Before I discuss this sensational album, I want to share something that I found very nice in the press release (which you can also find on Bandcamp).

“Halo Moon” is The Telescopes’ 17th studio album, the 6th for Tapete Records. The only constant being the sole composer/instigator, Northumbrian-born Stephen Lawrie. The band’s line-up is in constant flux, there can be anywhere between 1 and 20 members on a recording…It came from the sky. A herald of new beginnings. A tranquil glow in the boundless universe…This is a message from the cosmos. Welcome in a heightened sense of connection to the unseen and awaken to the parallel consciousness of The Telescopes… On the day of conception, a halo moon appeared directly above the studio, leaving a trail of magical dust over the sessions that followed. Behold a revolution of nature speaking involuntarily from an alert state of hypnotic trance. Dig the déjà voodoo…Halo Moon was created under these conditions by people under these conditions.

I think that after these words, those of you who artistically understand Stephen Lawrie and The Telescopes have already grasped almost completely what you will hear in this album…and yes, now I will write mine. When a band has been around for about 30 years and is considered a major influence on the next generations of psychedelic, shoegaze, and space rock music, with or without noises and drones, it’s not just about the quality of their records. It’s also about the lasting impact they’ve had. All these things make them truly…important.

The Telescopes’ music is always an exciting new adventure, a dream, and an ambition all at once, and even more. The “Halo Moon” LP continues this tradition and slowly reveals Lawrie’s truth after 2-3 listens. Similar to the artist’s reflectors, which gradually unveil the new soundscapes in his mind over time, this new album will also reveal its music more fully with repeated listens.

The album has many virtues, it has nice psychedelic music, and it flirts with the stars and the universe, but it is grounded on Earth and it flows gently in its episodes… it has also the required space within its music to dissolve in the mind and to desire again when needed. It is truly noteworthy how Lawrie creates this music in his own musical style, and the result is amazing. So, that’s all from me, here is the new “Halo Moon” LP by The Telescopes, press play and take care!!!

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