This is the third wave of Deep Water’s split release series, and the second to span the mighty Atlantic Ocean. Those boys down there at DW HQ sure do have their heads on straight (or maybe they’ve spun ‘em around a couple of times), because this one’s a real doozy! Pairing the tremendously huge guitar drone from upstate NY’s Century Plants with the deep forest psych of French rising stars The Qoast (also known as Ghost Brâmes) was a damn wise decision. Two duos meeting mid-Atlantic, instruments raised in salute – sounds like a plan!!

Ray Hare and Eric Hardiman of Century Plants start things off with a blistering dual guitar meltdown. “Flashes” comes on like a storm front, its ominous dark tones punctuated by a ragingly bright beam of effects-laden mayhem. The more melodic “Dissolve” maintains the energy, evoking a unique what-would-it-be-like situation: an instrumental Sonic Youth composed only of Thurston and Lee.

Adding drums to their guitars, Florian Tositti and Jacob Garet tread heavily as The Qoast. Their contribution to this pan-Atlantic party is a mesmerism-laced dance of drone and thump sure to addle the contents of your cranium. Plentiful bells sound out a path moonward, providing some light to augment these dark proceedings. When the drums kick into high gear, there’s no looking back: you are officially in orbit.

Swathed in what just might be the best packaging yet to adorn a Deep Water release, this fantastic split is both nice to look at and a treat to listen to. This one comes highly recommended! 10/10 -- Bryon Hayes (12 November, 2008)