Obscured by Echoes used to call themselves The Hi-Tones, but in an act of maturity, repentence, or just plain whim, changed their name to go along with their new psych-sound revealed in the album "Black Matter Manifesto". And a fine sound it is, studio-clear recordings warped with spectral-ish convolutions, brimming with trembling guitars, runaway synths, and reverbed, Pink Floyd-ish vocals. Supported by the rock-solid bass + drums combo of Kevin Harry and Gary Delgado, the other instruments are free to wander down cool, occasionally-dark psychedelic paths, giving this release a truly wide and deep sonic range; from the creepy tones of "Black Widow" to the pop-like lo-fi thrash of "Pop Politico" to the spellbinding string arpeggios of "Hatchet Man" to the heavier rock tones and softer pickings of "Cher Ami". Check out the Black numbers ("Black Matter" and "Black Widow") for a fine sampling of excellently-laid, conventionally pop tracks that were given the band’s signature psych treatment – Spectral modulations, hypnotic synths, and filtered vox laying down slightly-unconventional melodic lines. Give "Electric Funeral" a bit of attention to see how eerily close to old Pink Floyd vox Johnny Flores can get, and check out the near-pop stylings underneath the tremolo in "Aleister LaVey". Lots to like here. If you can avoid getting distracted by the wavering, hypnotic production, you’ll be able to pick out the classic pop compositional chops. We don’t know what they’re on, but we want some. – Scott Osborn
