COSMIC DEBRIS "3.7K" LP 1980 (US)

Based in Oklahoma, initially the group performed as a duo under the name of CONTEMPORARY SYNTHESIZER ENSEMBLE. Then Richard Bugg met folk rock guitarist/songwriter Shawn Phillips and became close friends. Before recording the first album, the group had gone through several changes (one was being renamed COSMIC DEBRIS) and asked Phillips to perform on the recording, thinking that having a famous player on the record would help them getting a major label deal. Thus begun one of the most unusual collaborations in music business.

The album name is taken from the echo of the 'Big Bang', which is found at 3.7 degrees above absolute zero (3.7 degrees Kelvin). Bugg and Young recorded the tracks in two days at Media Studios in Oklahoma and sent the master tape to Phillips at his home in Italy where he overdubbed his parts. Then they mixed the album in their living room.

Privately issued in their own Non Compos Mentis label, the mega-rare COSMIC DEBRIS album consists a perfect example of electronic spacerock. The music is virtuosic keyboard/guitar driven space-prog, anchored with a strong drum rhythm, improvisational at times, yet always strongly executed. Directly compared with the electronic sides of HAWKWIND, PINK FLOYD, GONG and Steve HILLAGE, "3.7K" is flooding with spacious keyboard effects, uplifting rhythm section and some exhilarating guitar work. Highly recommended.

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