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[Review] Chimp Spanner ‘All Roads Lead Here EP’

Published

14 years ago

on

chimpspannerarlthcover

Paul Ortiz, a.k.a. Chimp Spanner, may be one of the most respected names in the djent community. And thanks to the recent rise in popularity of this genre, his work is reaching a wider audience with every passing moment. And it’s no wonder why. After all, by mixing djent-riffage with atmospheric electronic synth pads and technically fascinating guitar work, it’s music well worth checking out. But is that the case with his upcoming six track EP, All Roads Lead Here? Does this mixture work in creating a sonic landscape or does the final product come off as a cheesy mess?

The album opens with Dark Age Of Technology, which beings by fading in thick guitars and syncopated drums before tightening everything under a cloud-like synth pad and delicate guitar phrasing. The song almost sways between heavy and atmospheric, the only image that seems to convey this image is of a hammock in a tropical setting. Strange, yes, but this is what I saw during the majority of this song and, oddly enough, for the rest of the album. Something about this EP is very sunny and cheery in my mind.
The second track, Engrams, for me had the most atmosphere and mood. Slightly creepy, yet oddly comforting, this track, though not indicative of the rest of the album, was my personal favorite. It reminded me of the feelings I get while playing the Silent Hill games. 
The production of the album is nearly spot on, although it can get just a tad bassy here and there. Overall though, this EP sounds fantastic and has enough tones and variations going on to make it a very enjoyable experience.
The main draw of the album is the three parter, Möbius. Beginning with a delayed tapping lick and angelic synth pads, the first part brings on crushing riffs followed by a very cool synth dissonant descending chord progression that only lasts a few seconds but is still worth noting. The second part has a slightly more sinister approach in the music while the third part mixes the best of both previous parts. 
The final track, Cloud City, is nothing short of djent jazz, full of bluesy pentatonic licks and thumping slap and pop bass. It would be the perfect track to play to your jazz/blues inclined friends who don’t understand how the metal genre and the jazz genre have a vast amount of intersection.
The Final Word: All Roads Lead Here is a very enjoyable EP, though it’s very easy for it to feel like one unending track with no discernable separation. I can’t wait to hear what the next full length from Chimp Spanner is going to sound like. 
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Music

‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’ Celebrates 60 Years with Limited Zoetrope Vinyl Release

Published

2 days ago

on

June 10, 2026

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A Halloween classic turns 60 this October, and Craft Recordings is celebrating with a special limited edition vinyl release for Peanuts special “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”.

Arriving August 7 and available to pre-order today, this anniversary reissue comes pressed on an eye-catching 45 RPM zoetrope LP, featuring memorable scenes from the special on each side, plus a new essay from Sean Mendelson.

Get a peek at the cool new release below.

The release features Vince Guaraldi‘s jazzy score, including favorites like “The Great Pumpkin Waltz,” “Graveyard Theme,” and, of course, the iconic “Linus and Lucy.”

After its first official release in 2018 and rerelease upon the discovery of the original master tapes in 2022, the soundtrack returns to vinyl in its entirety, alongside a selection of rare outtakes.

If the zoetrope LP isn’t enticing enough, look for a variety of limited-edition Halloween treats that can be found at exclusive retail partners, including an Orange 4-inch Tiny Vinyl (Target) available starting July 17, featuring “The Great Pumpkin Waltz” on Side A and “Graveyard Theme” on Side B. Pumpkin-shaped pressings will also be available in exclusive colorways from August 21st, including Electric Pumpkin Patch (Barnes & Noble), Pumpkin Spice (Walmart), Ghost White (Target), and Candy Corn (Craft Recordings). Additionally, the Orange Pumpkin pressing will be back by popular demand at all major retailers.

In the 1966 animated special, the Peanuts gang celebrates Halloween. Linus hopes that he will finally be visited by The Great Pumpkin, while Charlie Brown is invited to a Halloween party.

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown tracklist:

Side A:

1. Linus and Lucy

2. Graveyard Theme

3. Snoopy and the Leaf/Frieda (With the Naturally Curly Hair)

4. The Great Pumpkin Waltz

5. Linus and Lucy (Reprise)

6. Charlie Brown Theme/Charlie Brown Theme (Minor Theme)/Graveyard Theme (Reprise)

7. The Great Pumpkin Waltz (Reprise)

8. The Red Baron/Military Drum March

9. The Great Pumpkin Waltz (2nd Reprise)/The Great Pumpkin Waltz (3rd Reprise)

10. Graveyard Theme (Trick or Treat) (2nd Reprise)

11. Fanfare/Breathless/Graveyard Theme (Trick or Treat) (3rd Reprise)

12. Charlie Brown Theme (Reprise)

 

Side B:

1. Breathless (2nd Reprise)

2. It’s a Long Way to Tipperary/There’s a Long, Long Trail A-Winding/Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag/Roses of Picardy

3. Graveyard Theme (Trick or Treat) (4th Reprise)

4. Linus and Lucy (2nd Reprise)/Linus and Lucy (3rd Reprise)

5. Charlie Brown Theme (2nd Reprise)

6. Linus and Lucy (Alternate Take 1)

7. Graveyard Theme (Alternate Take 1)

8. Charlie Brown Theme (Alternate Reprise Take 1)

9. Linus and Lucy (Alternate Take 2)

10. The Great Pumpkin Waltz (Alternate Reprise Take 2)

 

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