Paul Nagle CyberDiver (Download CDR) 11 tracks / 59.32 mins Play Sample:   56K Dialup   Broadband Download Sample:   500K   1.5Mb (Excerpt from track(s) 'MrRigby's Distant Girlfriend') Please go to the Store to buy this item.

This is more of an essay than a review but I'm afraid in this case it was necessary. Between '92 and '96 Paul worked on his four Elements CDs. These were a set that contained music of a certain style and gained a following by people who were "into" this sort of music. Then something weird happened. A fifth CD called 'Live Elements' was released including performances from Jodrell Bank and the Electric Cafe. This was music of a different style entirely and it is a bit misleading to have 'Element' in the title. It was an amazing CD full of sequencers and, though not quite being a full retro album, more Paul's own twist on the scene. It was a stunning release and gained him many new fans. Then completely out of the blue came an album called 'Proxima Centauri' by Far From Stars. This contained music by what was effectively Paul and band plus a track by John Hickey. It was an even more amazing release and enhanced Paul's reputation still further. What we didn't realise at the time was that the style for 'Proxima' was really a prototype for what was to come, 'Lore'. 'Lore' has firmly put Paul up with the top flight. It was our club choice last month and even managed to outsell the very eagerly awaited Tangerine Dream album 'Sohoman'. An amazing achievement.

Why have I mentioned all this? Well, two reasons. Firstly, if all you have heard from Paul before is something from the main four 'Elements' series, and didn't find it to your taste, then think again! You are missing some amazing music. Secondly to highlight the point that recently Paul has got into the habit of springing the unexpected on us. 'CyberDiver' is certainly the unexpected. It is at least of the quality of 'Lore' but in a different style, however it should be enjoyed by people who have appreciated his albums since 'Live Elements'.

The main track on the album is split into ten parts each with its own index point, the entire piece running to over 50 minutes. A sequence emerges over a repeated motif, the backing becomes very sparse and the sequence begins to stutter and die. Sounds reminiscent of heavy breathing can be heard, another couple of sequences are added, one bass and the other high register. A very moody and ominous melody comes to the fore. What a start! What an artist! With perfect timing we descend into a thick sonic soup, delicate shimmers taking us in to the second part, a half heard child's voice making the whole thing very eerie indeed. What initially sounds like a ticking clock develops into the next sequence. If you like Electronic Music because of the unique sounds and atmospheres not found in any other style of music then this album is an absolute must. A deep stuttering sequence takes over using an almost Morse code pattern to hint at danger. An intriguing melody accompanies it in the background. This sequence dies away to be replaced by another which then seems to mutate into the previous one, a drum line also being added and the lead line this time is simply one of the best ever, simple but extremely chilling. A piano lead introduces the third part and is one of the best, no I should say, the very best I have ever heard. Beautiful but completely by-passing the "SMD twee filter". Part four is a rather strange affair, the lead line very high in the mix but part five gets back into sequencer / devastating melody realms. There is even an almost half vocal rhythm, pure class and again unique. The melody is taken over by electric guitar courtesy of "Dog", restrained and yet devastating at the same time. If this section doesn't get to you........? The sequence dies away and another Morse code type message rings out to call in part six. A machine type sequence develops, you can almost hear steam hissing and pistons pounding. It finishes with more weirdness and another melodic motif. Part seven and yes you've guessed it another ballsy sequence, Dog returning with his trusty guitar this time giving it the lot (the subtitle to this section is 'Hardcore'). Part eight is a short atmospheric guitar bridging section to the almost Ashra-ish part nine. This is probably the only bit that actually sounds like anyone else. The final part of this ten part suite is back to the atmos and is a wonderful way to finish such an awesome track. The second track 'Duncton Wood, Plague & Wire' fits the mood of the rest of the album perfectly in that it is atmospheric but also with some great rhythms and sequences. Like me you will probably be bowled over by the bass on the opening salvo but just wait till the main sequence comes in. Node and Redshift, think again! Sequencer fanatics will think the price of the album is worth it for this track alone and yet you have already had a classic before you get to it. As to why Paul faded this track out when he did please write to him, not me, as I couldn't believe it either!.