In 2024, the French band SLIFT celebrated their Sub Pop debut with the monstrous ILION. Eight songs, but clocking in at an hour and 20 minutes. Heavy to digest, thrilling, overwhelming—that was the deal back then. Now, SLIFT returns with their second album on Sub Pop.
Fantasia comes across as much tighter, lasting just a bit over three-quarters of an hour. A mere snack in the SLIFT universe. Like its predecessors, it’s a saga, but significantly more focused. This is also evident in the sound, which occasionally offers straightforward classic rock (like on “Storm of Wings”).
After their beginnings in psych rock, the French outfit has now firmly arrived in the realm of metallic prog. True to style, the keyboard textures on the closing track, “Secret Mirror,” evoke classic Giallo soundtracks.
Once again, the energy is incredibly captivating. Think Pink Floyd on a rampage, or Black Sabbath sporting mohawks. It isn’t until “Waiting Man” that the album lets off a bit of steam. Amidst all the bombast, one occasionally longs for some loose, playful experimentation. But you’ll find very little of that here.
SLIFT are best experienced live. Their records are increasingly becoming brainworms that suck out every last bit of your energy. A magnificent trip, but by the end, your brain is absolute mush.
SLIFT – Fantasia: Nerve-wracking Psych Prog – RIFL