Acid King / The Mystick Krewe of Clearlight - Free (US MRR 01)

I'm really no fan of these split CD's, OK I understand where they come from, fans of each band get to hear some other stuff and visa versa, they just aren't my thing really. I'd sooner catch a full CD from one band. Right moan over, lets get onto the sounds. Acid King if you don't know, are one of the shining lights of the stonner world, doom guitar lords. Fronted by Lori S these 4 tracks start to burn into your brain making you wonder how you will ever get through the next 24 hrs without your fix of Acid King. Although none of their CD's live in my stash I have heard much of their work before. Even now, with new bassist Guy Pinhas, they are here to burn your head. Blaze In (vocal less) and Free kick off and set the dark moodiness of Acid King before Four Minutes (which is 8 minutes long!) takes you deeper and darker in one shot. Lori's vocals are killa, and she knows how to use her voice while leaving the band to weave their music into you. Blaze Out finishes the four tracks from Acid King, keeping with their Sabbath approach to dark days ahead. The Mystick Krewe of Clearlight was a NEW band to me, so I guess the purpose of split CD's was severed. From New Orleans TMKOC have a hard and heavy approach to rock with the added colouring of blues moves to boot. You only get two tracks from TMKOC, Buzzard Hill (my back yard) and Veiled, which runs for 11 minutes, and has some stunning organ in the middle section, a la Deep Purple . After hearing these two kicking numbers I wanted more, these guys are ready for a full assault of the rock world and I can't wait. What was I saying about split CD's not working for me?

Census of Hallucinations - Census of Hallucinations ( UK SPCD019 00)

This is a wonderous psychedelic treat. I did find it a little long and I wonder if there was a need for two cover versions in sixteen songs, good though their versions of Dear Prudence and Devil's Answer are, do they really add anything to the package? On a first listen through the impression was of an English Olivia Tremor Control, though these guys don't get quite as far out as those people. There's a very English vibe to the whole thing, even with the occasional burble of tabla. The second track bought the Cambridge Strawberry Fair to my mind a place of happy memories and sunny days for me. Some tracks made me think of Gong, a bit of Bevis Frond, a touch of krautrock, a free festival vibration yet, overall, it has it's own off-kilter identity. Those Stone Premonitions people are doing the right things, I've already recommended this to a friend. Now I heartily recommend it to you, embrace the Census of Halluncinations. (GE)

Pacific Moon Records

 

The exotic world of Asian music is what is described if you visit this label's web site. And from what I can gather from the two releases we have received in the Acid Attack office I can only agree. The first of the two releases is Shao Rong - Orchid (chcb-100022) this is a very enjoyable offering of traditional lute music from China. Shao was born in Shanghai, and has played throughout most of her life. The CD's mood is relaxed. Guitars and other instruments are also added to the music, none of which, crowd out the lute's sound. Mostly self-composed material these 46 minutes will make for a relaxing encounter on many occasions. The other CD we had received at the same time was Eri Sugai - Mai (chcb 10020). This is Eri mixing traditional Japanese folk and western (pop?) sounds. The first track Horizon is a haunting number with rhythmic backing and Honen Bushi, the second track, is also rhythmic but in a more basic stripped down form and the voice and handclaps dominated the sound here. The rest of the CD is very much about Eri's voice which is evocative without over powering you. The sublime sounds and use of traditional instrumentation make out the emotions of old world Japan while keeping the feelings and power of modern music taste so much sought after by Japanese youth. On these two CD's Pacific Moon have bought into the western world feelings and emotions from the more exotic worlds without making it a task to finish listening to either of these disc's. They have an extensive list of recordings if you want to browse. I didn't quite find this the typical newage sound you find in a lot of world music as this was more refreshing. It invigorated my senses and tuned them to the Far East. The whole ambience of this musical feast was aided by the inclusion of incense sticks in the spine of each CD. The aroma filled the air the minute I opened the mailing envelope and this helped to set the atmosphere for this two hours of listening.

Mr Plow - Head on (US private 00)

This ones short, but oh so sweet. 30 minutes 7 tracks of hard and heavy rock from Texas. OK it might sound like so much of the stuff doing the rounds right now but these guys are good at it. Got all the right moves in all the right places. There's not a lot of definition between the songs as they all have the same composition to them. Heavy on the guitars, driving on the bass and drums, and hard but not grunge vocals. Molly (7 minutes and a slower number to start) and Beat Down do the job for me, but not really a weak cut round here. If you like your rock music heavy with a lot of guts too boot, go visit Mr Plow website and check these guys out, you might even wanna treat yourself to the CD.

Cain's Alibi - Sanctified (US NMR-99162 01)

Turn everything up to eleven it's metal time. And this one is pretty damned good too! Whilst it's a genre where it's hard to stand out, this cd has a little spark, a certain something to mark it out from so much run-of-the-mill metal coming around. There's lots of nice little time changes, subtle touches, (such as a nicely placed bass solo), which shows that they are not just foot on the monitor go for it merchants, (though they can churn it up when needed). The lead guitarist is obviously well capable and yet plays within the songs frameworks, no apparent ego trips. The fact that he has a great metal voice too is a bonus. It's nicely produced, well presented, obviously well thought out package with good songs that aren't just excuses to show off individual's instrumental talents though those involved obviously have them in abundance. If heavy metal puts lead in your pencil this one will fill up the case. So good, I broke three strings on my air guitar. Highly recommended. (Gordon)

DONKEY - Show (USA Accretions 01)

Donkey are essentially a duo, Damon Holzborn on Guitar and Electronics, and Hans Fjellestad on keyboards and electronics (see above review) joined by a turntablist and a clarinettist. The duo '..explore the territory between open form and structured improvisation and noise art', well that's what it says on the c.d. liner anyway. Essentially a record of several live events the c.d. does indeed veer from the heady extremes of pure adrenaline noise to the more cerebral and chin stroking intellectual excersise that is improvisation at its most inventive. Hints of power electronics are softened by the jazzier intrusions illustrated by the colour of the clarinet. The third track 'Clementine' explores more ambient dub territories with the addition of the turntable skills of Marcus B. Delightfully analogue burbles and swoops put me in mind of John Jacques Perrey or even Pierre Henry. Whether this is a deliberate reference or just happy coincidence is for the group to know and us to find out! Where this c.d. really works is in the interplay of instrumentation and electronics, subverting the usual sounds of a jazz impro collective the electronics add depth and a rhythmic element that makes the music initially more easy to 'get into'. As with a lot of this type of work repeated listening brings new depth and areas for the ear to explore. Some pieces bring to mind the more raw and loose elements of a King Crimson concert whereas the quieter passages seem to relate to the worldview of an artist such as Scanner. Track seven 'Oddities from the bridge' is the live soundtrack to a dance piece, somehow I find that this sort of work brings out the best in a group, having to interact not only with each other but also with the physical actions and movements of a dance company. Both this and the previous disc are both challenging pieces of work that need time and thought to get the best from them. That being said, they will also reward you with a lot of pleasure and make the exploration worth while. (CB)

RED SAUCE BABY - music by Hans Fjellestad
(USA Accretions 01)

An absolute delight! Transferred this to mini disc for the car and pulled up at the lights with the window down ..Very funny stares from the crowd waiting at the bus stop, especially when the bagpipe s when into the free jazz impro type section. The disc starts in a Gavin Bryars/Jesus' blood mode with a rambling male voice and environmental sounds this moves into a slow rendition of 'Scotland the Brave; which then descends into a freeform jazz piece, think Dave Douglas at his loosest and you may be getting there. For me the third piece is the most satisfying 'Gadfly Principle' is apiece for prepared piano and evokes memories of both the delta blues and Arabic stringed instruments with the buzzing and rattling of the piano sounding at times like a guitar. Complementing the overall feel of the piece very well the preparations include a music box and a wooden top. 'Pulp451' introduces vocals into the equation with the texts taken from a 10th century Danish source and the love letters of George Washington. Voices become another textural device in this piece with interference and static almost occluding the words -'Do not misconstrue my meaning' indeed! 'Uncouth Vermouth' is a quartet piece for organ, guitar and woodwind in which the instruments battle for supremacy, slowly becoming coherent and again falling into the melee. The final piece for solo piano explores the notion of a higher connection through deep meditative or sleep states to an altogether higher consciousness. At all times a delight this c.d. at turns soothed and invigorated me.(CB) Also check Hans' cutting edge Zucasa site named one of the top 25 essential online music resources by influential Wire magazine www.zucasa.com

IQ - The Seventh House (UK gep 00)

IQ return with a new studio offering after their last double live CD, and the world of progressive rock "prick up their ears". IQ have been for a number of years as the UK prog act to follow. Their own style of complex guitars, bass and keyboard interludes have set standards, and seen their band of followers around the world grow and grow. I saw IQ live for the first time 1984 and enjoyed their music since, but as is the case with most bands, I preferred the "raw" feel IQ had then to this their grown up sound. This CD is technically perfect, musically also on a par but for the first time for me, it's just another "IQ CD". I can't fault the music, or Pete Nichols vocals; he has an incredible voice, one of those that draw you in as he crafts it way around the songs giving them life. Highlights are the stunning title track The Seventh House; this steals the show, starting with a softer almost ballad opening section which then builds in powerful IQ fashion. Opening track The wrong side of Weird and closer Guiding Light are both strong in depth and feelings, characteristic of IQ's sound though in contrasting styles. Optimistic keyboard pan out the opening section on The Wrong Side of Weird while the solitary piano of Guiding Light coupled with Pete Nichols voice make a fine opening 3 minutes (alomost a song in it's self). Guiding Light is 10 minutes long after the opening section it enters 6 minutes of IQ formulated sound, BIG guitars and bass attacks before returning to piano and voice to end. IQ are duly respected within the progressive rock world, if you know any of their work you will know why. But if like myself you are a seasoned IQ fan, I'm sure you'll feel they could have come up with something more refreshing in these 60 minutes. Not so much a derailment of the IQ train, more a case of waiting at platform 4 to leave.

e2K - Shift (UK topic records 01)

e2K are the latest signing to the ever growing catalogue from Topic Records, for those of you who are not aware, Topic are the leading UK label for traditional based folk music. This offering is not so traditional in the sense this isn't acoustic folk. What you find is a mixed selection of rhythms and beats from around the world. Although based in the "west country" of England the African feel on a large number of the tunes fill the CD, working well in these setting. This debt CD from e2K, would have proved much to hard a task for many bands, had it not being for the fact all members' have either worked with each other or other bands/acts previously to this. Their ability and depth as musicians is what makes this work, fronted with by the Vocal's of Kelly While, she has the type of voice, which wraps itself around the music. The experience of the band fill the air with their own blend of summer music, the sun needs to be shining (and on this cold February afternoon, it is!) to fully enjoy this. The music and rhythms are positive from the opener, The Water is Wide (clearly a choice for issue as a single or radio play) the whole tempo is set for this swing-along. e2K have caused waves of excitement from those who have already heard their blend of folk and rhythmic beats, for those who will be seeing e2K live and properly hearing them for the first this summer (as they do the live folk-festival circuit) there is bound to be much fun and dancing along to them to be had. e2K have breathed fresh air into the lungs of English folk/root's/world music on this their first offering.

David Wertman - Forest Dance (US CDr 01)

I was delighted to receive a CDr from the jazz world, not for any other reason that it's good to know there's an underground jazz movement who want to get their music heard. David Wertman has been on the jazz scene for 30 years, playing in big and small band jazz groups. From tribute shows of Benny Goodman, Stan Kenton and the likes of, to this a more private and personal interpretation of how David feels jazz is in the 21st century. Forest Dance is David Wertmans own work, along with a team of musicians and vocals from Lynne Meryl. On offer is a collection of tunes based on world beats using emotional vocal rhythms and close tight evocative moves to convey feelings to the listener. Most of the 8 tracks are faster up-tempo small group tunes, which make for a pleasurable if not unchanging listen. Although on track 5, Ascent this 10-minute long number sees David displaying his ability to test out the water on a more avant-garde approach to jazz. This is the area of sound I would have liked to have heard more of his work from. For my ears, a full CD of this would have shown a more excitable liaison with the modern jazz world.

Borgo Pass - Powered by Sludge (US loudbelly 01)

Sludgehammer rock!!!!!!! I was going to leave the review at that as it seems to sum this band up from the outset. Not that there's anything wrong with them, this is a great 50-minute dirty hard rock set. Those guitars are storming out from all angles. Ok so it's a bit Black Sabbath and a lot Rock & Roll but who cares, these guys are coming at ya and taking no prisoners along the way. Right now there's more stoner rock bands around that any other in the rock genre, and to tell many of these apart is no easy task. So much of the sound is taken right out of the early 70's major rock crew's, so for any band to break their way through the fold and keep ahead of the crowd gets harder each day. Borgo pass are worth investigating, even if you only have a passing interest in anything stoner. If you are already well baptised in the growing world of stoner rock and yet to cross the path of Borgo Pass, I'd go off now and check these guys from Baldwin NY out. Their darker and dirtier sound gives them that extra edge.

Scott Hartley - Ancestral Crossing (US first light 01)

This CD was a welcome release from all the stress I'd endured over the last week or so. A refined offering of piano based tunes telling of Scott's family travels from England, Scotland, Ireland and on through the America's. 14 tunes running over one hour of music, this work of piano based numbers is mixed with synthesized sounds along with performed sounds using Violin, Flute, Penny - whistle. All these and more set the atmospheric nature of this CD. This is an early evening listen, without trying to be anything other than that. So many writers may class this as another CD of elevator music, not looking further into the ideas and cultural feeling's Scott is portraying here. I found myself moving along with ease allowing the thought of all nations involved here to be formulated inside my mind. It's all too easy to de-class so many "newage" CD's without going into detail, passing them over without any outlook, thought, or vision into the music. Scott is a truly gifted player, he has the vision and the ability to provoke emotion through music, something so lacking in much of what I hear today. This isn't going to break new ground but what I can assure you of is that after listening to this, you will find tranquillity in the feelings of new lands that is provided from the beginning to end of this CD.

John Butler - Worthless Bastard Rock (UK mysticrecords 01)

Not really sure what to make of this 2nd solo effort from ex- Diesel Park West front man John Butler. The songs are well-written, typical singer-songwriter stuff. John has at times a Dylan sounding voice with all the rough edges taken away; though keeping his own style and presence. This shouldn't detract from the music. His vocal talents tend to cross over at some points. This collection of 10 self-penned numbers sets out to the tell tales of life from his own point of view. Ticket to Heaven kicks the CD off and does so as the strongest number on the disc, the rest that follow are a mixed bag of acoustic and full band sounding numbers and all are worth a listen but for me didn't make me want to go back time and time again. I found the more basic folk/acoustic number worked better, Singing Life was a T-Rex/Bolan like number while final track, The Last Goodbye was a piano based clear-headed tune. I might be missing the point here and I know John is highly rated right now amongst many people in the music industry. I just found this to be a "much a do about nothing", although the growing band of followers for this style of rock/pop/folk will get a listen from this more than once.

Vine Sweetland & The forefathers of the new millennium - Light Shining in the distance (us private 99)

First vote here goes for the catchiest name around! The next has to go for the 74 minutes (one track) of psychedelic fusion that is contained within the disc. With a collective force of over 20 musicians and 40+ instruments the CD tells the story of a Caterpillar set on her life's journey by a dying Guru. The poetry of Vine Sweetland ties the music together. The opening minutes of spoken word are very much akin to the Door's This is the End or Jim Steinman's Love and death of an American guitar. To try to bestow upon you the excitement and enthusiasm that is on this disc in a few words would do no justice to this CD at all. What I will say is, if you can cope with a psychedelic sound of spoken words, eastern sitar vibes and a stoned to the max affair, this could well be the musical trip you have waited a long time for. The music swings from mellow sections of plain piano to an intense, bizarre, paranoid mixture of guitars/drums/cello/flute/dijurdu and more. The instrument list goes on forever! Never the one to be frightened away from anything on first listen I'm back with this CD for around the 5th time in as many days. With each listen I find new sounds arising at every turn, drawing you in to this hypnotic passage from the outset. From old hippies to new psych heads, anyone who either listens to, or try's to understand the psychedelic culture will gain many hours of "musical ecstasy" from this release

BOP - Bionic Orgazm Productions cd-r (UK 01)

This is a sampler from bionic orgasm productions, www.bionicorgazm.com Have you seen the advert for, I think, Ronseal Wood Stain, which does exactly what it says on the tin, (if you're from outside the UK just assume I'm barking). Well in the little note that accompanied this cd-r it's described as 'banging trance music to uplift and make your feet dance and your soul sing'. Which is exactly what it does. Except for that making my soul sing bit, dance music doesn't usually do that anyway. Nine tracks, seventy-two minutes, six different artists, relentless pounding dance music as good as anything I've heard in this genre. All the elements you'd expect to find in trance are there. This should be distributed as white label vinyl twelve's to suitable DJs at once. (GE)

Sharkstation - Calling cards (UK Private Cd-r 00)

Welcome to the Simon Ainley sampler, a showcase of this man's potential and talent. He makes much of his past musical existence, which I shan't mention, you can go and look at it if you want to at his web site. As it is a series of calling cards it can seem a little bitty. He's certainly more interesting to me when taking chances with his material. The adult orientated pop/rock slots are pretty well filled but there is always an audience to be found for things a little away from the middle of the road. As he has the day job and the studio facilities then the niche of slightly adventurous singer-songwriter is there for the taking. While there are plenty of them out there there's always room for another one. Perhaps the major problem with this cd is that the songs always brought to mind someone else. 'Same Moon', for example had more than a touch of John Martyn, track 2, for example, brought to mind Sting, the next one Adrian Belew. Now I feel he needs to develop a definitive 'sharkstation', identity to progress from here unless, of course, his hope is to have his songs taken on by other artists.(GE)

Underdrive - giving back the monster (US Smutko 01)

Ten tracks and forty-six minutes this has some potential. It's sounds a little like what we'd loosely call alternative rock, though they have a tendency to either go for the full metal workout and don't have the weight to carry it off or drift dangerously near AOR. The singer's vocals are treated on every track at some point perhaps pointing to a lack of confidence in his own ability, though his voice isn't unpleasant when left raw. The production itself is pretty poor when the vocals don't sound like they've been recorded down a drainpipe the instruments do. Perhaps the lead singer, guitarist, writer, arranger, engineer and producer should consider getting some help and focus on just the first three tasks where he does show promise. In trying to do everything he's lost his focus, very few people can successfully do everything. Let's hope that they continue to develop.(GE)

Stirling Brig - This Way Out (US Withani Records 00)

At our belated Acid Attack Christmas lunch we discussed what makes you want to review a particular cd first. I pointed out that the sumptuous booklet that accompanied this release meant it would make it out of the pile into the cd player ahead of the others I had. But I failed to remember the old adage of judging a book by its cover. The booklet is beautifully produced, full of clever pictures and designs, it includes the lyrics and all the details of the band including their website, www.stirlingbrig.com which has been inaccessible when I've tried to look at it. But the cd itself … The band describe their sounds as, 'hypnogroove', a fabulous expression totally wasted on the AOR digitally encoded onto their silver disc. It has 12 songs spread out over 57 minutes, a length that shocked me as it felt so much longer when I listened to it. Once or twice the spectre of the Eagles was raised, West Coast rock-lite style rather than country rock, Bon Jovi was another name that came to me. They all play very well and they write all their material, which is a good thing. The singer's voice isn't particularly pleasant, on occasions he sounds like he recorded the vocals after running for one of the trains depicted in the booklet. It's just all so stunningly unoriginal. Next time I play the home-produced cd-r first.(GE)

'Worldbeat Brazil - same (US Green Hill GHD5214 01)

This no more reminded me of Brazil than a decent cup of coffee does. Yet this was a pleasant surprise even if it did, on occasions, bring to mind the type of music TV stations play when their programmes break down. On a grey wet afternoon it didn't have the power to transport me to warmer climes, nor make me reflect on the ecological damage destruction of the rainforest is causing yet it made extremely effective background music. It's a continuous mix that lasts over an hour, 12 tracks are listed and, though they have a similar vibe, they aren't all samey. Often the group Enigma came to mind had they been based in, say, Spain. Built by mixing Spanish guitar, beats, distant voices, ethnic sounds and occasional rainforest noises it calls itself, 'An exotic blend of modern musical technology, global elements and Latin passion', and frightening as that notion actually sounded, they've probably achieved it. Just don't think it has anything to do with Brazil or Brazilian culture because it doesn't. But superior background music, yes, does that job well, coming to a café near you perhaps.(GE)

Defyance - Time Lost ( US Private CD 01)

I'm not sure whether Defyance consider themselves progressive metal, on their website, where you can order this album, they refer to other progressive metal bands. If progressive metal means Iron Maiden clones with a dash of keyboards then they are. To me it's perfectly acceptable old school metal, particularly reminiscent of the NWOBH type which is unusual for a US band but they add nothing new to the genre. That twin guitar lead sound is a tad clichéd and, for an album dated 1999, it sounds like it could've been recorded any time in the last twenty years. Then again, that's not what the genre wants so they should find fans out there who will rave about it but they aren't likely to draw anyone in to the scene. After all metal isn't dead it's now being produced independently away from the major record labels by people such as this. And good luck to them. (GE)

5.15 - Six Dimensions of the Electric Camembert (Swe RHM 01)

This is my first encounter with 5.15 a Finish 6 piece band, fronted by a mix of male/female vocals sung in English. This, their fourth release in ten years comes with press quotes that range from Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple through to Frank Zappa and Jefferson Airplane. It would have being harder to miss these, and more influences, during the 71 minutes of this CD than to hear them. Although drawing on, almost at times stealing that late 60's early 70's sound, 5.15 never sound "out of date". This isn't a tribute to 70's progressive rock; what you hear is a band who are pulling ideas from music they grew up with, whilst working hard to improve on that sound. 5.15 play with tremendous passion, working closely together they craft out numbers as, Sleepwalking Nightmares, Once I had a name for this one, and Games of May. A mix of acoustic and heavy guitar sections along with strong drum lines keeps the sound tight, giving 5.15 their own style. I can't see 5.15 selling CD's to the masses (would they want to?), what I can see is that the established audience of classic rock fans will take 5.15 to heart. Topping the CD off is a convincing version of Silver machine; this sums up 5.15's music, classic rock for those of us who still enjoy it! (MJ)

Blue Lily Commission - In the heart of the old city …(UK Private release 00)

Another fine cd from the Blue Lily Commission, one that builds upon the strengths of the first release, 'Wine Songs'. It opens with the title track, a piece of music that creates an unsettling air. It sounds menacing, it sounds slightly disturbing, it sounds wrong, slightly off-key samples build over a pretty standard rhythm, as ever built from ethnic sounds. There follows six more tracks of, 'middle east trance fusion', all in all a good use of an hour of anyone's time. He claims influence from modern day trance acts such as Shpongle and Global and from more traditional German electronic bands, he claims Tangerine Dream and Klaus Schulze and I can here Kraftwerk. A fan of any of these would find much to enjoy here. Of course what places the Blue Lily Commission ahead of thousands of other is the organic sounds he brings through his own playing of various ethnic instruments, the saz, (apparently a kind of Turkish long neck lute), bouzouki, flutes and various bits of percussion. It's also nice to know that he uses Korg and Apple Mac hardware. And, as he promised, there are harder beats, more up ups and more down downs! In a recent online discussion where people were searching for music with a Middle Eastern air I had no hesitation in recommending the Blue Lily Commission. I only hope people took me up on it as I'm sure they wouldn't have been disappointed. (GE)

God - God's Greatest Hits Volume Two (US private 00)

This one has caused a few problems at AcidAttackMusic Towers. And the buck stopped here as it can go no further. It's a very dense piece of work. It incorporates so many different elements often in a single song that finding a way in is so difficult. Looking through the attendant bits of paper you start to get a handle, though it's like grasping a greased eel. One highlighted line reads, 'NYC Performance Rock', and the accompanying photographs also give you a clue that there is a visual dimension to this act that of course is lost when you just have the music. Think of any band from the last forty years and at some point you'll be reminded of them while listening, doo-wop, sixties classic pop, Queen, Hair, and this is all in track one. Others have a psychedelic edge, track 4, 'Psychotic Delight', (probably!!), reminding me of Olivia Tremor Control, though I couldn't recommend it to their fans as there is so much else that sounds nothing like them. Superbly produced and recorded and, I'd bet, one hell of a night out. Unusual and compelling, (lie a car crash), they claim to have nearly sacrificed their sanity recording it. Well, I've nearly sacrificed mine trying to review it. If I keep this one a year I might be no closer to nailing it any better. The imperfect post-modern post-millennium mindfuck, I hope they never stop.(GE)

Z-Axis - Music from Reality Check (US Gnosis Productions 00)

How do you review something when it's a constituent part of a greater whole? Because whatever you do you're going to be missing something. This cd is the music for the multi-media performance event, 'Reality Check', but all I have is the music so that's all I can review. I don't know whether the dynamics of the music match the events you would have seen, how they complimented it or even if they did. So what does it sound like? Their own description seems the best starting point, 'post-progressive rock/new-edge ambience'. Post-progressive, not really, firstly, the term is ridiculous. Secondly, progressive fits it fine, not in the sense of the so-called progressive bands you find today, (who really are retrogressive, taking something from the past and staying there, so maybe they mean post that lot), they are trying to take the music on. New edge-ambience. Tougher, certainly there are what you could term ambient edges, little bits of found sound which creep in and out. But the over-riding air is that there is something missing. And it's not terribly exciting either. Perhaps it'd be nice to hear their music when not tied into, 'A sensory tour-de-force'. (GE)

Seventh Omen - Polarized (US Septagram 00)

This doesn't start too promisingly, reminding me of Spinal Tap. Yes it's metal time. I've no problem with rock music. Indeed, I love it, or have loved it, I usually find myself buying a couple of rock albums a year though I rarely find myself revisiting old ones. This album is perfectly acceptable, from what I'd term the Metallica school if sounding slightly old-fashioned in the face of bands like Queens of the Stone Age or At the Drive-In. Metal fans are hard done to by the media, hardly any radio or TV here in the UK. This album wouldn't sound out of place on a Tommy Vance Rock Show it just lacks a spark that would make it shine out in a sea of similar sounds. Any Iron Maiden or Metallica fan might well really enjoy this, the speed guitar riffing reminding me of the latter, the overall sound of the former. Go to www.seventhomen.com if it sounds like it'll float your boat. (GE)

Curved Air - Alive 1990 (UK mystic records 00)

This is one of those "does exactly what it says on the packet" CD's. Catching Curved Air reformed with a classic lineup of Kristina, Way, Monkman, Pilkington-Miska, live in London England, September 1990. I should point out here about the poor sound quality of the first track, Twenty Years On (wrote for this show), for some reason the master tape of this track is missing. The band so much wanted everyone to hear this they have included the only remaining version, an audience recording very much of bootleg quality. Saying this you do get a feel of the song, nice guitar work from Francis Monkham and great vocals from the star of the show, Sonja Kristina, being the introduction to the night that followed, even in this form was worth including. The sound quality returns to excellent as soon as the second number, It happened today starts. Those of you who are aware of Curved Air's work will know most of the tracks Stretch, Back Street Luv, Young Mother, Melinda, Marie Antoinette, the list goes on. This concert came about from a planned BBC TV documentary, which went the way of all good things and got no further than the proposed stage! After pressure from long time fans, these tapes were then found out, and the process of this release was set in motion. Curved Air were, if you don't already know, a 70's band who played an absorbing mix of a folk, classical and rock music, fusing them together to form their own distinctive sound. The whole of the CD is filled with the passion of the night, the band sounding in great mood, entertaining everyone who had turned up for the show. The playing is tight with interaction between band and crowd working well. This CD sets out to capture the events of the night, and does so with an unusually quality for a live recording, the balanced sound doing justice to both the bands playing and Sonja's vocals. This CD is very much "one for the fans", although I see no reason why it shouldn't grab the attention of the many classic rock fans around.

Nitzinger 'Going Back to Texas' RHCD33

I'd written a couple of things down for this. One read, 'Going Back to Texas' and soon please, the other read redneck blues. It certainly is an album of blues music, ol' fashioned Texas blues, eighteen self-written blues songs. So what caused such a reaction? Track 11, a little ditty called 'Rap is Crap'. Not an original idea and not well done especially when it comes out with lines like, 'Rock'n'roll lives we killed out disco'. Or the trail of the dead and dying listed as proof that 'rock'n'roll' is so much better, (you can probably insert your own names and be spot on). Funny how one little thing can set you off. It's a pity as otherwise it's a pretty good example of what I've already called ol' fashioned Texas blues, or better, Texas barroom blues. Still if you share such an attitude www.recordheaven.net might be your next place of call. (GE)

Frankie Machine - The Cartesian Product EP
( 7"-Artists Against Success label 00)

Pressed on the heaviest vinyl I have ever had the pleasure to put on my turntable, this dinky little brown vinyl 7" from the Artists Against Success label is a real treat for those of us who are sick of the current crop of angst ridden boys with loud electric guitars. You know, all attitude and no feeling. According to the Frankie Machine web site this disc was made without the aid of Bass, Electric Guitars or Plectrums. "No Love Boat" starts with some manicly scratchy violin and then gradually eases itself into a soulful and fragile acoustic tune with wistful and yearning vocals. As the press release says it's a real Saturday night alone with your-self tune, sorry for itself with out wallowing in it. The second side is a bit more out there, welding mutant Bossa drum machine rhythms to more of the sensitive and restrained playing of Frankie. Definitely a single to look out for, forget the cod angst of Coldplay and the like, this is surely music that wears its heart proudly on its sleeve (cb)

Montana Pete - An Outreach program…. (UK 7"
Po-Homo Records 00)

Left field punk with a quirky inventive attitude. Nice dollops of Wire influenced vocals alongside some suitably dense twisty turny spiky guitar separate this release from the rest of the herd. The B side kind of reminds me of Blur doing their patented Pavement sound-alike thing..not a bad thing in my book! Both tracks last exactly the right length, not a minute too short or too long, this is a skill that many bands working solely in the c.d. medium could do with taking a lesson in. Hope that Montana Pete does well and that we'll hear more of them. (cb)

Douglas - Persona (uk double 7" VINYL album Speedowax 01)

2 slabs of wonderfully coloured vinyl from Douglas and boy! Is it top hot tuneful punk rockity music or what! My copy is number 47/300 so I would suggest that if you want to get yourself a copy of this mini album then you do so rapidly. Well I call it a mini album but it's 12 tracks and sells for the mind bogglingly low price of £4.00 postage paid. Unusually for a review in this august organ there is no email address or web site to refer to, so you've gotta put pen to paper (remember? pen and paper?), and write to the address at the bottom, say hi to rich and say that cris at Acid Attack sent you. Musically the band moves along at a fair old pace with strong melodic punk rock hooks, catchy as hell and it'll have you humming the tunes all day. I cant see why more of this home grown talent doesn't do better in the UK charts. I know there is a strong punk ethic about D.I.Y and not straying far from your roots and they're not doing it for the money just the music but this stuff beats the shit out of US chart fodder such as (very) Limp Biccie and (S)Korn(Y). What's more this music is not sucking corporate rock dick - take note all you Marilyn Manson T-shirt wearing I wanna be American gen. exxers. This stuff is real and close and alive and vital - why there's even a chance that you could get to see Douglas live and not just pose in the expensive T-shirt and crap black nail varnish!! Anyway that was a rant on behalf of the "God I wish I was still 17 and a punk rocker" party. (cb)

Do yourself a favour and buy this record from;
SPEEDOWAX
PO Box 1573
Bilston
WV14 9WD: ENGLAND

Rumple Stiltzen Comune - Wrong from the beginning (CH blackrill 01)

This label rates as one of the better European re-issue labels around right now. Not flooding the market place with every release they find, but hand picking quality progressive rock from Switzerland. Originally released in 1978 as a privately pressed outing, as I'd never come across this band before the pleasure was all mine. From the mail out that came with the CD a great deal of time and effort has being spent re-mastering and remixing, the original release suffering from poor production work, this the first time BLACK RILLS had undertaken a re-mastering project. As I was (and still are) totally unaware of the original I can only conclude that from what I know about BLACK RILLS is that they will have made an excellent job of this. Based in the Swiss/Italian border town of Chisso, Rumple Stiltzen Comune drew on influences from VDGG, early Genesis; and many of the Italian underground acts. Try not to be put of by thoughts of a sound-alike or clone release. Typically dramatic of 70's prog-rock relying heavily on the interaction between guitars, lyrics and keyboard, it's true the influences of the day show through, but never overwhelm the CD. 4 tracks spread over 33 minutes, a little short I know, but that's how long LPs were way back when. This CD is sure to attract fans and followers from the progressive rock world who, like me, had previously not heard of this release. Although having a limited sales audience (matched by the fact so many re-issues get very limited pressing) if you are a collector of European progressive rock with the need to increase your ever-expanding CD collection, ordering a copy of this should help plug the gap for a short while.

Lucid Nation - Suburban Legends (US brainfloss 01)

Titles like Punkophny, Girl band, and Las Vegas, set this CD up. Great garagey punk/psych mix with lead female vocals. This was for me the first time I'd come across band or the label, so after listening to the full 71 minutes on this disc I found myself a wiser man. 100% basement rock & roll this CD is not just a case of a loud noise that blows the shit from your brains, there's a formation that makes sense of its surroundings. So much underground music goes unnoticed because of poor production, thankfully this CD doesn't suffer from this. You gain access to the music via the front door, without having to dig around in production sludge to find the sound the band wanted. The press release states that "Lucid Nation" are an ensemble more than a fixed structure of a band, so by the time you read this the band might have changed lineup. With any luck this won't happen, as the balance appears right. Strong guitars, that rolls from basic punk moves to wrap around psychedelic sounds with a powerful back line. The point that fixes you on the whole of the disc is the vocals from Tamra (sorry missing a surname) she has the ability to draw you into her voice and keep you there for the length of the disc. Throughout there is this a feeling that this could be drugged out SF circa 67 without sounding at all retro. If you are looking for musical peace of mind then your at the wrong place, this is going to have your head buzzing for hours waiting to come down.

Silent Exile - Dancing with Death (Cn private 00)

With the Christmas festivities over I sat down to look at the rather large pile of unopened mail here. With a knock on the door Mr Postman had bought more! I was stacked out with CD's from around our globe. So with the flick of my wrist I pulled the first unopened packet from the pile. Inside I found the debut CD from Canadian prog-metal act Silent Exile. True to my word about ACID ATTACK (everything get a listen)! I put in the CD and was away! To my surprise soon after the I had heard the obtuse nature of the opening spoken words of The Brain Dance, I found myself slipping nicely into the following 45 minutes of heavy prog that had a certain leading toward progressive-metal. All tracks are well constructed and played with the feeling of passion you've come to expect from a prog-metal band. As all of you now know, I've come to dislike prog-metal more and more over the last 12 months, not because I don't like mus ic, it's because there's so much around and very little stands out for me. This is so untrue about this effort. The metal side is very strong. Wall of Society (first song on CD) is a powerful full-on number with some great keyboards, clocking in at over 6 minutes this sets the tone for the following 5 tracks, running right into Stratosphere this starts with a slower section setting up a full wall of sound. The rest of the CD follows along similar lines, moving from the harder more metal side of On the Hill to the progressive arrangements and clever keyboard/guitar interplay of Glase Maakerstant and the 15-minute Images of War. Its been a long time since I found myself enjoying anything inside the prog-metal genre so much, its taken a large dose of independent Canadian act Silent Exile to reintroduce me. That post-Christmas apathy, well that was blown out the window about 35 minutes ago! (MAJR)

Greenslade - Large Afternoon (UK mystic records 00)

First release in over 20 years from one of the more respected 70's UK progressive rock units. Dave Greenslade returns with a new incarnation of the band on this CD. Original bass player Tony Reeves is still here along with John Young (Fish/Asia/Quango) Keys and Voice, and Chris Cozens on drums. This CD is split between instrumental and vocal tracks. Opener is the strong and exciting Cakewalk; this 70's sounding progressive number is full of lush twin keyboard sounds. The intriguing thing about Greenslade is there's no guitar player, a little odd to try and contemplate, but once you listen all the way through, it appears not to be missed. Looking at the vocal tracks, Hallelujah Anyway, No room-But a view, In the Night and On suite, the first three of these being very safe in their direction, far too risk-free for my ears, while On Suite has a much deeper progressive arrangement; this goes again for some of the instrumental tracks. I knew little of Greenslades previous work, so I took this CD on it's own merits. Pleasant, polite, and well played, all this is being true of this CD, there was very little here that excited me. The CD doesn't suffer from that re-formed band syndrome of "going though the motions" it just has a very safe sound. If you own any of the previous Greenslade works then I'm sure this will make it onto your "too buy" list, if like me, you are a passing progressive rock fan, I'd try and catch up with a listen before you buy.

VENTURE BEYOND RECORDS - USA

Moth & The Sped of Dark

For a state that receives lots of sunshine, grows plenty of health giving citrus fruits and is generally regarded as an outdoors, fitness driven kinda place, California breeds lots of Goths! First of this bunch of releases from Venture Beyond Records are the dark offerings on the altar of the dread Cthulu by 'P. Vampire'. Happily a lot of the gothic and dark-wave music coming out of the US is moving away from the slavish 'lets copy the sisters of mercy' phase. This bunch of happy go lucky boys and girls has a very good take on the sound of darkness. There almost seems to be a renaissance in good fuzzy psyche music coming out of the Goth core, in a way like the industrial scene has sparked a new interest in folk music. The buzzsaw guitars ricochet drum machines driven sonorous rhythms around, almost martial themes are given flesh by the doomy yet always-coherent vocals and still the guitars squeal on! My favourite track on 'Moth' (the bands fourth album) is the very short but very sweet 'Cows Play' where a piercing feedback/Synth tone crashes into the four guitarists of the apocalypse..Lovely! The second c.d. I have by P. Vampire continues on the same path as 'Moth'. Again those gloriously fuzzy guitars predominate, the only criticism that I could level at the band is that their reliance on synthetic drums and percussion can get a little samey, it would be nice to hear them with a real drummer but that's only really a minor niggle. Along with Babylonian Tiles, the new wave of US Goth bands continues to grow in a really creative direction. Taking inspiration from the darker side of 60's garage and psyche music. This is a really positive side to a musical genre that is ridiculed and derided by some to be cartoon Addams family music. If you like the sound of this and love fuzzed out guitars you would be well advised to put down your pebbles + rubbles and pick up P. Vampire.

Goth Tales - Descend Goth Tales - Night Falls

Two compilation volumes from Venture Beyond demonstrate the variety of styles that come under the banner of hard-core Goth music today. From the piano moodiness of the opening track by 'Vlad' to the crushing proto-metal of 'Jude' these tracks are all on the edge of what we consider Goth music. On the first volume a lot of the bands hail from Eastern Europe, specifically Poland where label faves P. Vampire toured in support of their 'Moth' album. This adds a whole new dimension to the sound. One of the stand out acts for me is the horror show nightmare soundtrack of 'Christblood' a confusion of sound and energy that had the hairs standing up on the back of my neck. Things get a bit more ethereal with the wistful beauty of 'God's Bow'
The second volume is very much in the European vein also with bands from Poland, Belgium and Preston (!) 'Vlad' starts off the proceedings again with moody vibes and dark ambience. 'Sygo' gives us dark, brooding power wrapped up in melancholic sound. If you're already a fan of the darker side of music then these releases will give you a doorway to bands that are a long way from the mainstream. If you fancy a change from the bludgeon and bluster of dark metal and want a little delicacy and restraint then this is the label for you. The c.d. cover gives contact links to all the featured bands and I'm sure that you will find something for even the most jaded palates at 'Venture Beyond'. Just to prove that this type of music isn't all black lipstick and moody stares, the copyright notices on all the releases are very funny, go check 'em out.

Original Aspect Ratio - Elastic Fiction Records compilation (UK private 00)

This is the sound of the south coast of England all presented in one glorious 21 track c.d. Elastic Fiction records aim is to get as much music to as many people as is possible. The label runs on a non-profit basis and as if to prove it, this full-length c.d. retails at the very pocket friendly price of £3.00($5). I have said this before but I find compilations very hard to write about. There are always tracks that stand out to me and tracks that have me reaching for the skip button. This is'nt a reflection on the quality of music just my funny ears! Some of the high points of the c.d. are Bonemachine with their sample heavy melancholic tune 'Holy'. The punky ska party tunes of The mighty snortin' Powder Rangers and their paean to the nightlife of Portsmouth, 'Pompey is Pants (and we all want to move to LA where the beers cheaper). The strangely strange psychedelia of Murmurs of Irma, who kind of remind me of the Soft Boys, not a bad thing at all! Blissed soul folk introspection from Mac with their deceptively simple tune 'Sleep baby sleep'. The primitive surf punk of tv21, and finally the rap/rock concoctions of Bracket 22 who given the right breaks and the will to win could be big! These are just my own personal highlights but I'm sure you could find your own. Value for money, heart in the right place and as the label themselves say 'all bases covered' they deserve your support.

Caroline Peyton - Celtic Christmas Spirit (US Green Hill 00)

The back cover takes great pains to demonstrate that Caroline is a professional session singer, ('voice featured on Disney's animated films Beauty and the Beast etc.), and also to talk of her Irish descent and marriage into the Harkin Clan. There is also a small photograph where she looks for just like Enya. Indeed, Enya is the first name that comes to mind when listening. For though this album was produced in Tennessee it strives to be, in their terms 'Celtic'. That it manages this so effortlessly must be attributed to the sheer professionalism of all those involved, especially the husband and wife production and arrangement team of Brendan Harkin and Caroline Peyton herself Yet such an album has got obvious time-limited appeal, I can see it played on the Sunday before Christmas and maybe on the morning of the day itself and then put away until the next year. It's beautifully sung in Gaelic and English, the music carefully and gently arranged to frame Caroline's appealing voice. All the traditional Irish instrumentation can be heard, whistles and bodhran, violin too. The material is a nice mix of some well known, (Once in Royal David's City, In the Bleak Midwinter), and some not well known to me, (I admit it, Christmas carols are not my strong point, titles such as Coventry Carol or Taladh Chriosta sadly hold no resonance with me). Yet something troubles me about this that I can't put my finger upon. It may be that professional sheen, it may be people striving for a connection that's stretched over generations. It may be the whole, 'Celtic', genre, had this album been produced by Irish musicians they wouldn't have called it, 'Celtic', unless deliberately aiming it at an American market. However this is merely quibbling. In the unlikely event of Enya making a Christmas album I have no doubt it would sound not unlike this and that is meant as high praise indeed. More information about this and other Green Hill releases can be found at www.greenhillmusic.com. Gordon Elcock

Super delta three - eve SUB rebel' (UK KS 10060010 00)

Sometimes a little publicity goes a long way sometimes it can become a stick to beat you with. I quote, 'the music of super delta three is not formulaic'. Well I can't agree. It's a formula, get a sample drum loop going, add some girly vocals and away you go. Obviously the writers of the publicity pack haven't heard Lamb, Moloko or the real masters Portishead. Track two, I know where you live is Alanis Morrisette, only not so well done. While I don't doubt that the three members are all capable, fine musicians, after all they write, arrange, produce and perform their material and I can't fault the quality of the sound it's the content that mystifies me. The whole thing smacks of an A&R man's idea, let's combine Alanis Morrisette with more of a dance beat, Portishead with fuzz rock guitars and we'll have a world-beater. Yet they were the winners of Best Rock Band at The Loot Music Awards 2000. So, patently other people don't agree. To me they are nothing new, they certainly don't match up to the expectations raised by their publicity pack, 'the music of super delta three has no limitations', 'listen and let your emotions connect with the music', I did, it's really not my cup of tea, my emotions were unconnected. Gordon Elcock

Lindsey Thompson - Room in a Basement (UK KS07040012 00)

I firmly believe in getting behind local bands and artists, even if their music isn't completely to my taste. No such problems here though. This is a stunning set of songs fronted by a woman with a wonderful voice capable of expressing the full range of emotions drawing you into her tales of relationships. Of course comparisons are odious but she reminds me of Tori Amos, especially on Charlie, and Beverly Craven too, strangely in the same song. Other people have drawn similar comparisons, in this field the good ones really stand out and being compared to Joni Mitchell, Tori Amos even Judie Tzuke is totally complimentary. This album is perfect Radio 2 fodder, that isn't meant cruelly, as they are keen to point out they are now the most listened to station in the country and Lindsey's wonderful set of songs would stand out on Johnny Walker's or Steve Wright's shows and that slightly American feel would find an audience amongst the listeners to The Bob Harris Show. Sadly, that's probably the only media receptive to this style of music right now, (maybe VH-1 too). But it's only a matter of time before the obsession with manufactured pop gives way to music made with feeling and care and Lindsey Thompson will be right there. She's already gaining recognition for her talent as being named the outright winner of the Loot Music Awards 2000 shows. Don't wait to jump on the bandwagon later, get involved now and be at the start of someone special. Gordon Elcock

Blue Lily Commission - Wine Songs (US private release cd-r 00)

I can be a bit of a muso, I do like to know what has been used to produce music. Yet all this release tells you is the following: Middle east trance fusion Music written, recorded and produced by Steve Palmer 2000 Spirit of global unity www.geocities.com/Area51/2162/indexblu.html

Of course the last part is the key. If you visit his site you'll learn all about Steve Palmer, his musical likes, his musical activities, (this isn't his only project and I'd certainly like to hear his others), his musical abilities, (I really would've liked to have seen the fact that he plays some of the middle eastern instruments featured on this release on the sleeve, else you could easily assume everything is sampled), and his sci-fi writings. Firstly, reading, 'middle east trance fusion', I half expected a Muslimgauze clone and there is a little of that in the first track, 'Locust Swarm', it's in the rhythms but not in the instrumentation which is more Egyptian and Turkish, (the whole sleeve concept is Egyptian, more to read at the website I'm afraid). Then on first listen, the whole thing washed over me a bit. I think that was just the trance like qualities in full effect because this is a really nice piece of work. Obviously Steve Palmer is greatly influenced by Tangerine Dream and Kraftwerk though he has seamlessly melded these influences with his interests in middle-eastern instrumentation to achieve his goal of middle-east trance fusion. On 'Harp', the sequenced parts throb nicely drawing you in then you start to become aware of slightly unfamiliar and unexpected though not unwelcome sounds. There are seven tracks spread over an hour or so and none outstay their welcome. A lot of care, effort, knowledge and expertise have gone into this project, which I feel fans of music produced by Loop Guru or, perhaps Muslimgauze fans seeking that sound without the strident politicisation would really enjoy. Harking back to the website there was news a second album which I very much look forward to hearing. I encourage you to check this one out ASAP. Gordon Elcock

Movietone - the Blossom filled Streets (Domino Records UK 00)

Ah this is a beautifully mellow and calming affair, the slightest of melodies and the almost transparent production of this c.d. gives me a most relaxed vibe, I think that the word is languid. The band play almost hesitantly and this underscores the quiet voice of the singer. Half way through track three the band almost gets animated as they reach a kind of crescendo, this however is also done in a subtle and laid back way. Truly wasted music for wasted people. Some of the tracks have an almost jazz feeling to them, typically the title track, carefully brushed drums, slow piano and the quietest of guitar harmonics all emphasise the singer's strange vocals. If you are fed up with straight 4/4/ rock, puzzled by the pretensions of new proggery and thoroughly bludgeoned with metal then Movietone can be a real haven for tired ears. Go to that calm space and treat yourself!

Catherine Hume - Hinges (Cn MAPL 00)

Do you ever struggle to get to grips with certain music? Well here I have I've tried a number of times to "get into" this CD, but have failed sadly to do so. Catherine is for all-intense purpose a singer songwriter from Canada. This is her first CD release and contains 11 self-penned numbers. Seems To Me, the first track has a straightforward rock styled sound, with the use of three other musicians, this gives a full band approach on the whole of the disc. Following this Sea of Separation, starts with a very basic guitar folk style, again here the rest of the "band" picks this up and ends in another full band soundings rock tune. With some of the tracks firming up, and getting an edgy mood to them, this did have me retracing my steps several times, especially on Disembodied and Twice as bright. After meny attempts to get this CD I'm still not sure if I do or don't like it, it's made a big enough impression to make it onto repeat play in the car, I wanted to like this, Catherine has strong vocal talent, it's the way this disc jumps from the harder numbers to the more basic works which didn't fully work for me.

Deadwood Forest - Melodramatic (US Shroom 00)

Up until now Shroom had been responsible for some great reissues. But Deadwood Forest sees Shroom begin their first venture into unknown waters for them, as this is a debut release from a new American band. 10 tracks form a structure over nearly 50 minutes, which is a good running time for my ears, not being too long. Deadwood Forest play captivating progressive rock with slight psych touches at points (listen out on OCD), that draws you right back to the crossover point from psych to progressive rock of the late 60's early 70's. The tracks fill out around you, moving from highly complex sections to more eastern tinged moments. On first listen this was a little complicated to follow but soon after giving the CD another go, I found myself settling into the songs and finding out where this Texas based 4 piece were trying to get to. First track 'The Pioneer' sets a full-blown "prog" feel, VDGG style keys slide in to this, comparisons are bound to be drawn to European progressive icons Anekdoten and Anglagard (this is produced by Mattias Olssen). 'King of The Skies' is the song which catches your attention, as its more friendly in its approach. This one gets fixed inside your head long after the CD has finished. For first offering from both band and Shroom in "new" bands league, I'd put this one down as a winner.

Iridesense - Clever (US demo ep 00)

Nicely produced female fronted pop outfit making very catchy tunes guaranteed to get even the most jaded foot tapping. Track 3 introduces male vocals and a knowing glance back to the "hey days" of the 60's with some suitably twisted and jangly guitar sounds. Nice solid playing throughout makes me think that this band would be good to see live, while not afraid to rock they make full use of the technology available to them without letting it take over the songs. Beats and beeps suffuse the reverby swathes of guitar and emphasise the sound rather than dominate it. As always don't hesitate to visit the bands site and get more details about the band and even how to purchase this jaunty piece of work.

John Ludi - Hell's laughter and Heaven's Ache (US CDr 00)

Hmmm got a bit of a dilemma here, the sheet that goes with this release chronicles the artists disillusionment with the state of the current music scene and the ongoing struggle that artists have with record companies and their globe dominating tactics. He makes valid and lucid comments about the relentless advance of consumerism and its threat to artistic choice and expression. So fired with these words of truth (and john, I do agree with the vast majority of what you have written) I put the c.d. on…hmmm there lies my problem you see. Whilst I was fired up by the words the c.d. contents didn't light a spark in me. To make matters worse Jon Ludi even predicted this in the press release I'm not however going to make sniping remarks about his music. John obviously has his heart and his brains in the right place and if this review makes me part of the global low standard of rock criticism then so be it! I would urge you to visit Johns web site and make your own minds up about his music. I know that this is a cop out in a web site that is supposed to review things but I feel it's the fairest thing to do.

Group Therapy - Digitalive (Japan Cdr 00)

Interesting 3-track demo from Japan apparently recorded live. What we have here is very proficient jazz progressive fusion type thing and nothing like the music that I usually listen to out of Japan (the Boredoms, Merzbow, etc.yes it gets quite loud in these here parts!). All three tracks clock up at over 9 minutes and so recurring themes and motifs are given ample time to develop and shine through. About the closest I can describe the sound of this combo is by harking back to the days of Brand x and later to Loose Tubes and that style of big sounding jazz tinged compositions. The individual musicians are all excellent, each taking solos and doing them very well. The overall effect is of a complex music that will reward further listening.

Systems Theory - Demos 1999-2000 private US

CD of demos, which are available to download in mp3 format and will comprise the official album release, scheduled for Xmas 00. Involved rock music very much in the modern prog vein, most of which has been compiled on a p.c. (affectionately referred to as Spock) with the use of a Mellotron and real live human flute playing. Ethnic touches spice the first track with oriental string sounds. The massive debt that most prog musicians owe to the prog colossus that is/was King Crimson is displayed in the use of the Ian Mc Donald flute sound that comes from the Mellotron. Having said that however this isn't jut a hollow KC sound alike, there are a lot of nice original touches with an almost acid house bass burble (hear it you'll know what I mean) underpinning the second track aptly titled 'Breakdance in Hell'. Although there are only 5 tracks they are long enough to develop and follow through with ideas. I hope that Systems Theory release their album fully because I think they could go down very well indeed! A visit to the web site is to be encouraged! (CB)

Esteban Ramirez - Welcome Home (US Descanso Music 00)

A c.d. of serene qualities. Ramirez here produces instrumental tracks to loose yourself in. Mostly solo with the exception of a cello on some of the tracks, the tunes here are melody personified. Slow but not ponderous these tunes envelop you in a cocoon of calm. Just the thing to listen to after a hard day doing whatever it is that you do for a living, truly music to relax to and have as part of your environment. All the tracks are written by Ramirez with the notable exception of the classic 'Somewhere over the Rainbow'…yes that one, from the film! Which he gives his own inimitable style to. A c.d. that contains exactly what it says on the cover. A slow, relaxing, sensuous treat for frazzled nerves and over worked ears. (CB)

Symphony X - V (Ger insideout 00)

No introduction is going to be necessary in you are at all interested in the world of heavy metal, you will at least know this name. Hailing from New Jersey USA, this 5-piece line-up plays around with the idea of Heavy Metal and Classical interludes. Symphony X after gaining an increasing following around the world, and are back again after a two-year absence in which time they have crafted this new CD. I'm sure many "metal" head already have this release high on there to buy list, but if you are still unsure take a quick look at the evidence to support their claim. The 13 fantasy based concept tracks run in at just over the hour mark, the closely worked cross-breading of metal and classical sounds work well inside this setting, vocals from Russell Allen fit without being obtuse, something I find off putting in the metal world. With the scene set, all you need now is to go out and get yourself a copy of this, place into the CD player and press play, from that point on for the next hour a land of fast thought out guitars, lavish keyboard piano sounds and satisfying vocal are woven together to create the end result which is Symphony X.

Formol - (Fr vinyl LP 00)

Five techno and moody ambient electronica tunes stripped to the bones of any unnecessary ornamentation a bit like those trendy homes you see in the posh magazines. From France, although not aligned musically with the likes of Air, Formol have a cheeky way with sampling and show their more thoughtful ambient side on the way to producing a very successful disc. What I wanted to know when I listened to it is, is it a real Elvis sample treated? Or does somebody else sing it. I'm not going to tell you what the (possible) sample is or even what track it is on ..gonna leave you guessing until you buy the disc ,which if my memory serves me correctly is available on good old vinyl. Check out their web site, its all in French but I'm sure that won't trouble many of you as its graphic and makes cool noises. (CB)

Emetrex - The Birds Your Brothers (UK Infur 00)

Firstly an apology, this c.d. ep was missed in the last lot of reviews and consequently should have been done last month! To add to my shame the press release that came with the last lot of CDs from top UK label, Seriously Groovy has been seriously mislaid in the chaotic sprawl that I affectionately like to call my office. Still we must forge ahead eh? Guitar music with enough hooks to land a whale is Emetrex's thing. A fashionable but not over used distortion gives the vocals an edge and some very strange things are done to the guitars, sort of Radiohead but without the annoying bits. Top tunes worth checking out. (CB)

Blue - Holly's Song (US Sanity Check Music 00)

Well normally with my hat on as an ordinary music consumer I would run whimpering from a c.d. which purported to be a 'Gothic Drama in Four Acts'. But in the interests of fairness and the open ear policy of this e-publication I donned my trusty sennheisers and found that I was very pleasantly surprised! Lucid playing and a narrative that didn't have me reaching for the libretto every 2 minutes are what confronted me. A harrowing tale of lost love, torment and eventual redemption isn't usually the most populist subject matter in these days of hedonistic dance and nihilistic grunge noise bands, but this works. Musically similar to some of the more Roger Waters Pink Floyd incarnations but with a 'indie' vocal style that places it firmly in the fresh young 20th century. The production values on this disc are of a high level and the eponymous Blue should be shaken firmly by the hand. Check out the web site for free stuff, videos and the like of. (CB)

Marc Gartman - The Horrible Cocoanut Grove Disaster (US demo CDr 00)

This album combines a number of distinct elements to form a new kind of sound. Taking the structures of polite intimate jazz and using this to make a wistful, almost mournful mood music with the stasis of ambient. The predominant instrument is the keyboards, primarily piano which is similar to Harold Budd's restrained soundscapes. Supported by drums, bass and guitar in trio format with occasional violin the music is more concerned about texture than melody and breaks jazz structures down into slow moving events. It is at its best when concentrating on the static, mournful moods and not when vocals are introduced. The vocalist isn't strong and tries to hide this by having a hushed, blurred quality which doesn't quite work as the tracks are too conventional. However the entrance of warm, slow violin is very good and adds welcome bursts of melody. Mention must be made of a fantastic musical percussion using pitched tom toms and cymbals that are worthy of Peter Erskine.

The album has a fundamental problem though, it is not melodically interesting to be accomplished as jazz and is not texturally exciting enough to work as ambient. It hangs politely in the air without a purpose. The song titles seem to be concerned with memories and half forgotten scenes but more is needed to evoke such concepts. Subsequent works need a defined vision like those released by ECM and a relentless pursuit to reealise it, otherwise the music will be doomed forever to soundtrack art galleries and go mostly unnoticed. (Mark Coyle)

Pain of Salvation - The Perfect Element pt1 (Ger insideout 00)

A melting pot from the world of metal here, be it heavy, thrash, progressive or dark this CD captures it all within it 72-minute encasement. Sweden based 5-piece unit on this their 3rd CD have gone onto the conceptual road of loss, adolescence and generally taking on a darker side to things. The world of "metal" is packed full of bands with bags and bags of talent and with Pain of Salvation this is no different the band show an accomplished talent and understanding of their field of music. There's not a weak track on the CD and this gives you the chance to indulge in the delights of this band, from the pastoral acoustic moments of her voices and dedication, you are then drawn back into the darker and harder sections of used and idioglossia. Strong throughout this CD is going to work it's way along the rank and file of the metal fans around the world, has word of mouth spreads I'm sure so will sales of this CD. I found I was drawn towards the more acoustic section but this isn't to say that the heavier passages didn't suit or entertain me. Pain of Salvation have taken time to get this CD to the shops, in return you can at least give this band a listen. As a planed pt2 is due for release at some later date this could give PoS the break to a wider crowd of people they rightly deserve.

Vanden Plas - Spirit of Live (Ger insideout 00)

No prizes for guessing this is a live offering from one of the better German metal crowd right now. I'd crossed swords with this band before and has I'm really no lover of this kind of straight forward heavy/progressive metal, I won't detract from the fact Vanden Plas are first rate musicians. Recorded live in France February this year, the CD runs for close on 74 minutes enough time for the bands fans to get well and truly lost inside this live performance. This is going to appeal to Vanden Plas fans all around the globe. If you are unfamiliar with this band what you need to know is that they can handle any power chord you can think of, create a powerful aroma and that's on studio CD's, on this live offering they rip their way through most of the tracks, crowd pleaser are opener I can't See, Into The Sun and Kiss of Death (featuring Don Dokken). As live metal CD's go, I found this OK, not really my thing, if your already a fan, it's a winner even before you press play, if you are thinking about giving this band a "try out" I'd go for Far from Grace, the bands last studio offering from which tour these live recording were made.

Enchant - Juggling 9 or dropping 10 (Ger insideout 00)

This is my first introduction to San Francisco Bay Area rockers Enchant. From what I have now learned this is their 5th release to date. After what has being a Semi-successful 10 year plus career, Enchant are now ready for a serious assault of the more major league markets. A strong classic rock sound with a leading towards progressive rock arena, tours with Marillion and Spock's Beard have no doubt raised the bands profile to a wider audience. 5 piece classic line up (keys, guitar, bass,vox's,drums) gives you more than an hours worth of music, 12 tracks work around the bands formation of inspired rock from the likes of, Rush, marillion (post Fish), Yes, Dream Theater and many more. The inspirations of these bands shine through but never start to take a stranglehold on the proceedings. What Enchant do, is cut their own path of heavy AOR come Progressive rock, which should appeal to a wide cross band of rock fans. None of the tracks are particular short in length, but again there are no long drawn out number, Just over 7 minutes is the longest numbers, with opener Paint a Picture being one of these. Very much "classic rock" for a "classic rock audience", the playing is 1st class, all of the band are skillful musicians, and vocal from Ted Leonard are unfaultable in this field, if any of the fore mentioned bands that have influenced Enchant already appear within your CD collection, then the chances are that Enchant are more than worth looking out for at the CD store near you.

Dyonisos - Haiku (US mp3.com dam 99)

Firstly here goes with an apology to Dyonisos (or Dan Cowan) this CD hit me within a couple of days of Dan contacting me and now it's sat here for over three weeks, this due to my summer holidays, sorry Dan. With that out the way, we now have is number 2 DAM in the office, `the crafty little CD's mp3.com manufacture for it's sitting guests. The whole idea of a DAM is to both incorporate MP3 and normal music files, along with some interesting photos and more on a standard CD for use in your hi-fi or PC. With all this now out the way, I'll try and get onto telling you all about the music, it's Pink Floyd sounding, now don't all leave at once, Dyonisos (Dan Cowan) is a one man band playing Floydian styled progressive rock (early to mid 70's styled Floyd here) 8 tracks over 41 minutes, vocals, keys, guitars set a floating feel along with some strong melodies. The easiest way for anyone to find out more about Dyonisos is to go check out MP3.com and become more aware of this work. If you enjoy Floyd and progressive rock in general, spend 10 minutes looking over the web site; to get a feel of the direction in which this CD goes.

Visible Shivers - little noises (US private 00)

Rhythm based US 5 piece that have a firm hold on new sound. Mixing in the elements of US country, folk, and rock sounds on this 50 minute CD, something for all (OK maybe not all, but a good many of us). There are many influences from the country music pioneers of the 30's to later days saint and sinners. I found here so much, I'd found missing from the likes of Steve Earle, John Cougar and fellow rock/country "stars". Me, I like to find myself entertained by the likes of Dylan and Springsteen, I'd also tried some, but not so much of the whole "New Country" of the last 15 years, with a lot of that leaving me disappointed, maybe I'm just not a country boy at heart. Here the incredibly named Visible Shivers caught a feeling of mid-west America on a Saturday nite. The first two tracks were very much upbeat numbers, almost ready for dancing, but a much darker more intense feeling of America came through in tracks like Shooting Star (guitar driving number with a dark rhythmic beat) and Chill In the Air. Kristen Worley and Lee Worley share the vocals, I found Kirsten had a real nice feel to her vocal arrangements, much stronger and darker than Lee's, personally I wished Kristen had taken the lead vocal role throughout. New "Country Rock"? Maybe, with some much going on out there, there's no way tucked away in a small part of middle England am I able to keep track of this scene. REM, Steve Earle, the country side of Springsteen, if any of these do appeal, I'd add Visible Shivers to your "to be checked out" pile. (D Evans)

Shadow Keep - Corruption Within (Ger lmp 00)

NWOBPM (new wave of British progressive metal). Shadow Keep are fresh faced UK band, 5 piece Anglo-Belgium band fronted by Rogue M., with support vocals from Nicki (the female Nicki that is) Robson, Formed in early 99 by Chris Allen, after a few rehearsals, they released their first EP in October 1999. Following this up with a track for the Queensryche tribute CD, "Queen of the Reich" was recorded and duly submitted. This is the bands first full-length offering 62 minutes of powered-to-the-max progressive metal without thought and worry for anyone around apart from those this band intend to entertain. As all of you know this is my pet-hate in music genres right now. I struggle to get on with so much of this style of heavy progressive metal. I'm not really sure why this is, it just is, I find all of these bands getting lumped together for no other reason that people like myself have very little to say about them. It's not the bands, it's the fact I find the sound so very similar to each other. I know so many of you guys get on with this, and it's so unfair on Shadow Keep for me to get the short straw and for this CD to hit my desk. The music is as always played with passion and style of the genre, and I know anyone who gets their kicks with this sound will enjoy the entire CD, but to my entrained ears, it's just another progressive-metal offering. Sorry guys.

Post Script here, still gets the thumbs up for great fantasy cover art….

The Stash - Whoroscope (US mp3.com DAM c.d 00)

So this is what one of those d. a. m. CDs looks like, first one that I've ever had to review. One of the really nice things that these CDs have is a very clever multi-media section that automatically boots up when you play it in your p.c. this contains pictures, song descriptions and links to the artist's mp3.com site. The Stash give us 6 tracks of vaguely alternative rock that to my jaded ears doesn't really do much out of the ordinary. Having said that however I cant really criticise the sound they have or even the songs that they write. It's just a sad fact that there are a lot of bands out there working really hard to achieve, but the climate at the moment encourages generic music clones and so that is what we get. However the good thing about mp3.com is that you can go and make your own minds up without shelling out for a c.d. (CB)

Kayak - Close to the fire (ProActs pro CD 2004)

After a period of silence from 16 years a new album from the dutch symphonic rock band Kayak was released. Unlike most reunion CD's this is not done for the purpose of making money, but the members of Kayak enjoyed playing with eachother after making a TV documentary about their album "Royal Bed Bouncer". Musically, "Close to the fire" simply goes on, where the last album "Merlin" left off. Most of the songs were written by Ton Scherpenzeel and 3 tracks by Pim Koopman. The album starts with the title track, which counts 8 minutes and gives the listener the feeling that Kayak has never been gone. With tribal drums in it, for an extra dimension, one of the strongest songs on the album. Another hightligh is the ballad "Frozen flame", one of the Pim Koopman songs, sung to great heights by Max Werner. The second half of the album, quality gets a little less, but the finale, "Full circle", with a guitar solo from Camel's Andy Latimer (!), makes you want to hit the start button once again. As a bonus, a new recorded version from "Ruthless queen" is included with vocals from Syb vander Ploeg (vocalist of De Kast), nice but not better or worse than the original from the album "Phantom of the night" Ton Scherpenzeel of Kayak has declared that "Close to the fire" is not a reunion CD but just the follow-up to "Merlin". (Henk Kikkert)

Mother Goose - Little Richard (UK Seriously Groovy label 00)

Former Blast First inmates Mother Goose continue their warped Finnish version of pop music on this latest release through Seriously groovy subsidiary Soda. Think dark, think brooding, think odd, the tunes on this c.d. have that quality that is so hard to define. They just aren't quite what they sound like at first listening. There always seems to be some sound or lyrical twist that sets them apart from the herd. Nicely dissonant guitars remind me of earlyish Fall (but without the indecipherable lyrics of M. E. Smith) and that bounces nicely of a good ear for a pop tune. A lot of the songs are short, sweet and to the point. Liked this bunch a lot, they reminded me of those lovely Finnish sweets, salmiakkipippuri-karamelleja, which are liquorice and salt flavoured and no I can't pronounce it.(CB)

Manning - The Cure ( UK Cyclops records CYCL088 00)

When you are about to listen to something new by a musician you became familiar with via another band, you are programmed to try to find some sort of similarities. Guy Manning has created a CD that stands alone from his previous work with Parallel or Ninety Degrees. This is not all that surprising. PO90 are a band with enough diversity that you can't really predict what they might do next. You are pretty well guaranteed it will be as good or better than what they have done in the past and Guy Manning is no different. On 'The Cure' Manning provides us with well-crafted songs and excellent musicianship, and strong confident vocals. Incorporating lyrics, instruments, and soundscapes it is an album that can be enjoyed for years. Guy is joined by longtime collaborator, Andy Tillison-Diskdrive and a handful of skilled musicians. 'The Cure' seems to be taking us on some sort of journey. Where to is for you to decide. This is music that travels well and wants to take you with it. It is moving and progresses into several surprising styles. Guy Manning and Andy Tillison-diskdrive have been busy this year. They are well on their way to being major forces in Advanced Rock Music. If you are looking for something of quality that is moving in a new direction, I recommend the music of Guy Manning. (Tim Radtke)

Mozart Rottweiler - Rage against the Night (Nervous wreckords US 00)

Defiantly bluesy c.d. from the USA. Good time rock for people that wanna drink, dance and have a good time. The influences given on the c.d. cover include Hendrix, Chuck Berry, Harpo Marx and Mozart. The berry and Hendrix influences come over proud and strong with riffing and wailing guitars a-plenty. The title track brought a smile to my face in its cheeky use of the alien theme from 'Close Encounters', don't know about the track 'Eat Vegetarians' though, as I am one! A new slant to the old standard 'Johnny B Good' is offered in 'Johnny B. Bach' The vocal performances often left me thinking of early British blues megastar John Mayall which can't be a bad thing. (CB)

The Magic Words - live breath grow (US cd'r 00)

Plotting a course out of New Jersey 4 piece band Magic Words play what I can only consider to be "bar-room-psych-pop-rock"! Firstly here I need to get a couple of name checks out the way, both Leigh Foxx (Blondie) and Ed Mundell (Monster Magnet) help out at one point or another on the CD. Fronted by Dale Karem this is a collection of songs from their previous two outing, with some unreleased stuff. 11 tracks of female vocal, guitar led punchy psych-tinged rock. Magic Words can be raw in their sound, though this only adds to the equation. Never Never Land is a cooler more laid down song in its approach, with opener Black Box being en-capturing, The Deal again psychy with fuzzy guitars sounds and twisting vocals, The Murder No One Saw is intriguing, with it's sinister overtones haunting vocals and guitars, easily made this the stand out track for me. I'd enjoyed most if not all of these 40 minutes of music, but into which market Magic Words find favor remains cloudy, I'm sure though that in their own environment Magic Words entertain any crowd that gather to watch them.