Julian Bishop Alchemy Play: Lo-Fi   Mid-Fi   Hi-Fi   Download: Lo-Fi   Mid-Fi   Hi-Fi (Excerpt from track 'Raindance')

A low ascending ominous drone, dramatic, pulsating bass and high register sequences, melodic lines and muscular percussion effects make 'Regenesis' a powerful opening track. The impressive 'Life Seed' fades in the carefully crafted sequenced layers as Bishop adds the melodic counterpoints and dramatic key changes which culminate in slow strident notes. 'Raindance' has a slightly lighter feel, with classic "flutey synth" motif set against sequences and percussion adding ethnic references as the track closes with a pristine harpsichord melody gently ushering in the thunder and impending precipitation. A fine track.

'Chasing the Wind' raises the tempo and melodrama again deploying sequencers, drums, keyboard phrases and a flowing improvised solo before, at around the 3 minutes 40 second mark, Bishop throws in an excellent anthemic motif and then slows down the pace stripping down the mix to percussion before adding more sequences and building up the piece again before the fade out at over the nine minute mark. 'Interlude' is essentially solo piano in the classical style, with strings periodically added to the mix. Bishop returns to the sequencers and percussion on 'The Sentinel' and manages to maintain the high standard in dynamics and melody which characterise the set. 'Sea of Lost Souls' starts with dense, phased, extended morphing notes and is followed by a more minimalist, unsettling interlude before an echoed bass line starts up and Bishop adds the layers of atmospheric keyboards. At about the 6 minute 30 seconds mark the sequencers arrive with the drums and synth solos which finally return to the opening style with added effects which eventually melt away into the distance. Finally, 'Coming Home' is a complete contrast to its predecessor being lighter in tone as Bishop adds layers of melody in different textures, semi-classical in style but again showing considerable melodic flair.