Binar (STDM)
Ambient Space Monkeys (Download CDR)
Reissued Version / 9 Tracks / 54.01 mins
Play Sample:   56K Dialup   Broadband
Download Sample:   500K   1.5Mb
(Excerpt from track(s) 'Jointly Responsible')

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The music here was recorded during rehearsals for their 2003 National Space Centre concert thus does have a rather improvised feel, all the tracks running into one. The titles are all rather humorous, some of them you will get some of them you won't.

'In the Regions of Taxreturn' starts off with windy sounds through which a chugging sequence and slow rather whimsical melody emerges. It's a nice relaxed number with real character. We drift into 'Assault on Space Precinct 13' on the back of another slow sequence and windy pads. More melodic pads float across the ether creating a gorgeous rather serene atmosphere. Things get even better with the addition of an excellent virtual guitar lead line (sounding very much in the style of Andy to me) then acoustic guitar. In the middle of the track we pause for atmospherics and a little monkey chatter. A new sequence then starts up becoming quite strident though not too much in yer face.

Onto 'Poolook'. A slow steady bass sequence can just be heard very low in the mix but it never seems to develop into anything, instead we drift in a sea of relaxing shimmering drones. Another restrained sequence does make an entrance with four minutes to go but really it's the piano lead line which attracts the attention most, developing and getting better right until the end- wonderful stuff. 'The Munchies' is another highly melodic number featuring a piano melody / synth lead line combination - simply gorgeous. The best minute and a bit on the CD so far.

It disappears like a will-o'-the-wisp as we storm forwards on the back of a sequence for 'Jointly Responsible'. More virtual guitar is added then in comes another driving Tangerine Dream type sequence- timid this ain't- play loud! Another big highlight of the CD. 'Sergeant Majeure' starts with rather strange distorted text then a slow melody and a couple of sequences; one little more than a slow bass throb whilst the other is rather playful though low in the mix. A couple of excellent melodic lead lines hover over it all then we get some rather euphoric wordless choir pads giving something of a film music feel. The sequences start to surge forward again in the fourth minute only to subside a couple of minutes later as things become rather complex with so much going on. The sequences never disappear for long however as 'Mason's Memorable Guff' features them right from the beginning. They form a backing over which virtual guitar again soars. Extra bite is added in the third minute with the heaviest beat on the CD so far along with invigorated pulsations. Get those air instruments out and join in!

'Hammered Without Horror' calms things down a little as cello drifts through the air. This disappears into more relaxing pads over which a slow sequence playfully bounces. There is a rather dreamy feel to proceedings which is heightened still further in the third minute as the cello returns then more rather meaningful text. We are woken up in the last couple of minutes as the drums start up. 'Rambanana' is a humorous title which makes the otherwise rather serious final number have a slightly tongue in cheek feel. Majestic massed strings and wordless vocal colouring dominate until about half way through when tinkling pulsations come in waves. Even these have a sort of celestial organ feel, as does an additional lead line giving that little bit of class. (DL)

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