Robert Rich Seven Veils

This is an album where Robert goes into rhythmic mode rather than the floating space music that he used to be famous for. ‘Coils’ is a gently rhythmic track that gets into a real groove though just as you are settled the pulsations shift and move into other realms. By rhythms we are talking about, for the most part, the acoustic variety, sounding more tribal than heavy metal but without being overly ethnic because of the wonderful way they blend with the synths. ‘Alhambra’ initially hangs around a gorgeous flute sound before tabla type rhythms are introduced. David Torn helps out on guitar and Andrew Mcgowan on bass. The bass playing is particularly effecting. There is an amazing amount going on and yet it doesn’t sound cluttered, each note and sound is there for a reason. ‘Talisman of Touch’ is another flute / drums / percussion combination but with the addition of Forrest Fang on violin, surprisingly conjuring up images of a Turkish market rather than the Celtic flavour that seems to be in vogue on many other instrumental albums at the moment. ‘Book of Ecstasy’ is split into three sections. This time strings are provided by Hans Christian on Cello. The first part uses a beautiful female vocal synth sound, low in the mix, giving a very lonesome feel. David Torn’s guitar is particularly prominent on the second part but personally I would have preferred it to have been a little lower in the mix. The lead instruments in the third section are the cello and flute, combining together to provide the most atmospheric section on the album - awesome. ‘Ibn Sina’ uses the vocal sound from the first part of the previous track with bubbling rhythm and more flute. Faint whisperings can be heard at the beginning of ‘Dissolve’, a lonesome flute sound cries over the top. Mark Forry also provides Balkan kaval, whatever that it. The final track ‘Lapis’ combines flute and cello marvellously with a chugging rhythm then another playful drum rests gently underneath but gives what is in essence a slow track a feel of real urgency. This is an amazing way to finish an album that shouldn’t disappoint long term Robert Rich fans but should also appeal to Steve Roach and TUU worshippers. (DL)

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