Nick Franks Dark Andromeda

The 26 minute title track opens the album. In the sleevenotes Nick Franks describes the piece as a vehicle for checking out a musical fantasy - what might have resulted had Tangerine Dream combined their "interstellar" style shown on 'Rubycon' with heavy rock. The result is a marvellous concoction of spaced out sounds and driving rhythms. From many angles the piece grabs the imagination. The rock rhythms stalk the main sequence line like a curious yet lethal alien ready to strike at any instant. One moment the sounds caress the listener like a silken glove, then suddenly fly at you with venom. It's an uneasy, almost disturbing, alliance which entices the listener like an insect into a nectar filled trap. Technically the track is a masterpiece, with genuinely new and evocative effects lurking around every corner, and the soundstage is massive. Greg Hogan's guitar adds yet more muscle to proceedings, and my only advice is to sit back and be prepared to be simultaneously bullied and cajoled into submission. 'Dark Andromeda' makes a 'Slight Return' on track 2, combined with a spontaneous melody called 'The Girl by the Lough'. Again the killer beat is beguiling and, combined with elongated string pads, yet more soaring guitar pyrotechnics (courtesy of Peter Gallagher this time), and latterly the Celtic feel of the accompanying theme, it creates an evocative mix. Having softened you up with nigh on 40 minutes of explosive rhythms Nick Franks goes on to explore territories anew throughout the remaining five tracks. Short melodic sketches rub shoulders with lengthier jazz/funk influenced outings. Nick's very individual style often asks much of the listener, and the script is by-and-large no different here so don't expect a barrage of whimsical and infectious melodies. The palate of sounds remains strong though and the marvellous 'Love will Find A Way' featuring vocals by Melanie Blades is an impressive slab of contemporary rock with a strong synth solo. If you're after power and dynamics, this album delivers both by the bucket full. Familiarity will I'm sure transcend the album even further. Could well turn out to be a future classic. (GG)

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