Da Captain Trips, a Psychedelic Rock quartet with deep roots and a modern vision, returns with “In Between,” their fifth studio release, arriving three years after “Maths of the Elements.” Comprising six tracks, the album unfolds as a journey beyond the veil, blending light and darkness in a sonic dialogue about post-mortem consciousness. In the intricate landscape of modern Psychedelic Rock, Da Captain Trips have mastered the art of transforming existential contemplation into sonic architecture. “In Between” represents a profound meditation on consciousness, mortality, and the liminal spaces between life and death, channeling inspiration from The Tibetan Book of the Dead into a musical journey that transcends conventional genre boundaries. “Die,” the album’s longest track, opens the work with a slow immersion into electronic textures that gradually give way to the band’s distinctive universe. The layering of sounds weaves a fine interplay between vintage warmth and modern clarity — enveloping, dreamlike, and richly lysergic. The listener is invited on a delicate voyage through contemporary Psychedelia, where ethereal atmospheres and echo-laden guitars evoke distant sonic horizons. Midway, the piece shifts course, introducing heavier elements with almost Progressive nuances, as keys enrich the arrangement with refined stylistic solutions and intricate interplay with the guitar work. The rhythm section proves solid and elaborate, supporting tempo changes, complex passages, and a guitar solo that emerges like a voice from the beyond, expressing through notes what words cannot. “Whispers” opens with deep, immersive atmospheres that evolve into an elaborate slice of Psychedelic Rock. Anchored by prominent bass lines and tight, technical drumming, the guitar and keys interlace melodies and solos in a steady crescendo, gradually incorporating heavier shades. The keyboards add an electronic hue, paving the way for a guitar solo that whispers secrets of the collective unconscious, forging an intimate dialogue between instrument and listener. “Spiralis” is built upon a deep bass foundation and a softer sonic approach at first, growing steadily in intensity. The track leans towards a more atmospheric character, darker and cavernous, yet always enveloping and sophisticated. Melodic openings offer contrast, with a well-placed guitar solo in the second half, before returning to the main theme like a cosmic breath accompanying the soul on its transformative journey. “Back To Sargassian” begins with textured guitar arpeggios drenched in effects, creating a spacious, airy atmosphere. A solid, articulate drum line brings the piece to life, with hypnotic guitar motifs and dynamic tempo changes enriching the soundscape. A killer bassline injects vitality, while the band’s compositional and technical prowess shines through, blending electronic keyboard touches and tasteful Prog-influenced flourishes into a fresh, idea-rich composition. The solo keyboard lines elevate the piece, building a sonic bridge between parallel dimensions of existence. “Land of Shades” unfolds with hypnotic keyboard layers and guitar arpeggios shaped by spacious effects. The piece develops over a complex, evolving rhythmic foundation. As the title suggests, the track leads the listener through shadowy, mysterious sonic landscapes where light and darkness dance in fragile equilibrium. Guitar and keyboard work intertwine to create elaborate, uneasy yet captivating atmospheres that straddle the line between Psych and Prog Rock, with a pulsating rhythm section that feels like an ancestral heartbeat. Choral openings blend with the darker textures, evoking visions of uncharted territories within the human psyche. “Lotus” closes the album with darker sonorities, driven by heavy, cavernous guitar riffs and a pachydermic rhythm section. The keys weave mystical melodies, and as the track evolves, Eastern-tinged motifs permeate the sound, evoking ancient traditions of rebirth and spiritual transformation. This piece nods to the mystical-oriental tracks that once graced classic Psychedelic albums, but Da Captain Trips infuse the format with their own fresh, modern touch, crafting something engaging and original. Like a lotus emerging from the murky depths of the subconscious, Lotus rises towards the light of awareness — a powerful closing statement that leaves the listener with the sense of having completed an initiatory journey. What distinguishes “In Between” is its ability to balance the darkness of mortality with the luminous possibility of transcendence, creating a sonic space where technical mastery serves a deeper spiritual purpose. The compositions refuse to be confined by traditional Psychedelic conventions, instead offering a fluid, dynamic exploration of consciousness that feels both ancient and utterly contemporary. Da Captain Trips reaffirm everything that was already admirable in their earlier work, consolidating a distinctive style with a rare level of artistic maturity. In Between is not merely a recommended listen — it is an essential experience for anyone seeking to explore the deeper, transformative possibilities of contemporary Psychedelic music.
Tracklist
01. Die (09:04)
02. Whispers (05:46)
03. Spiralis (05:58)
04. Back To Sargassian (05:23)
05. Land of Shades (06:02)
06. Lotus (06:08)
Lineup
Riccardo Cavicchia / Guitars
Federico Chiappa / Bass
Tommaso Villa / Drums & Percussions
Paolo “Apollo” Negri / Keyboards