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The evening before the
Hampshire Jam 'proper' a group of musicians (with the approval of the
organisers) got together to play new music. There were seven of them
in total but only three would be on stage at any one time. One
musician would leave (to come back later) to be replaced by a fresh
pair of hands. I suppose this is a similar idea to the Cosmic Smokers
sessions or even the event that that meeting paid homage to, the
original Cosmic Jokers.
The musicians featured on this double album
are: Dave Gurr and Xan Alexander from The Omega Syndicate; Jez Creek
from Modulator ESP and Astrogator; Steve Humphries from Astrogator and
Create; Brendan Pollard from Rogue Element; John Sherwood from 4m33s
and Stephan Whitlan - so quite a line up!
On the back of the artwork 7 phases are mentioned. Each phase refers
to a new change in line up but they do not relate directly to the
individual tracks here (all eight of them). The index points are just
put there to identify when there is a significant change in the music.
Electronic twitters aren't exactly an original way to start a track
but they certainly work for me. And these are especially good
twitters! It doesn't take long before a tinkling percussive sequence
starts up, soon to be followed my a more substantial melodic one and a
real cracker it is too, sounding all rather 70s TD. A steady rhythm
comes to join the pulsations then a lovely delicate little melody. A
more substantial lead line flashes forth. The mood becomes much darker
on the back of a very deep rumbling pulse. A menacing slow rhythm
joins it, a sequence being heard very low in the mix. A moody lead
plays over the top which is just spot on. I found myself closing my
eyes as I blissfully floated along with it. This really is a very
impressive opener.
The Second Part commences moodily, a deep throbbing
sequence starting real low. Mellotron comes to join it then the
sequence mutates taking us to Berlin School heaven once more. The pace
quickens as little dreamy lead lines shimmer away, adding that last
finishing touch. If anything this is even better than the opener.
The Third Part starts with more mellotron, this time sounding all
rather melancholy. Another sequence starts low in the mix as a
dysonesque lead strikes up accompanied by deep organ sounds that again
reminded me of early to mid 70s Tangerine Dream. This Incredibly moody
stuff continues through to the beginning of the next part. A rapid
exciting sequence imparts a sense of real attitude.
The Fifth Part
takes things on with a feeling of menace as the sequence gains added
oomph then morphs to become rather metallic. The sound of an owl can
be heard then another sequence and tron become the main features
whilst meandering leads fill the middle ground. The sequences start to
play against and off each other.
The Final Part of the first disc
presses the Mellotron into even greater flourishes as mournful pads
build to quite epic proportions. Again, two sequences duel against
each other. The pulsation depart and we begin what I thought was a
slow wind down but with two minutes to go the track erupts again
finishing energetically.
The Second Disc starts, of course, with yet another sequence, a really
nice mid 70s sounding one. Strange animal noises wail underneath. Low
bass thuds add to the tension as we go through all manner of sonic
stabs, mellotron choirs completing another extremely exciting homage
to the golden era of analogue sequencer based music. The leads become
increasingly euphoric in a rather Wavestar sort of way, getting the
second disc off as impressively as the first.
The Eighth Part begins
with gorgeous ethereal wordless vocal pads. A delicate melody adds to
the gentle, serene atmos still further then fades away. This time we
have to wait about ninety seconds for the sequence to arrive. It is a
sedate one providing a little gentle movement whist a second comes to
join it- then a third bass one, rising and falling through the sea of
pulsations like a whale breaking through the surface only to plunge
down to the depths once more. Things become increasingly complex and
exciting as we go- almost reaching overload but just staying on the
right side of manic mayhem!
The Ninth Part gets underway with a slow relaxed rhythm giving space
for some lovely mellotron flute to weave its gorgeous spell. Tinkling
percussive piano adds to the beauty still further all topped off with
groovy organ. Loved it. Part Ten continues on in a similar mood but is
a meandering little number featuring tron strings until a sedate
sequence gives a little structure. More mellotron is used but this
time of the flute variety. We now get to the much meatier Part Eleven
which brings back tinkling electronics then a period of float until
things take a darker turn in the fifth minute. Subtly, it all becomes
rather tender. A slow chugging sequence starts up but doesn't set the
world alight.
The Final Part has a rather meditational quality as pulsation and
loops mix. It then becomes a little more abrasive using a similar
style of sequencing to the previous part. So, to sum up, there is some
very fine music here, especially on the first disc and first half of
the second. Good value for money. (DL)
Review by Dave Law of Synthmusicdirect
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