Joint Intelligence Committee The Book of Roach CDR / 12 tracks / 68.08 mins Play Sample:   56K Dialup   Broadband Download Sample:   500K   1.5Mb (Excerpt from track(s) 'Drizzolve')

I have no idea of the meaning behind this title but rest assured that it has nothing to do with the American synthesist; indeed it is as far away from Steve Roach as it is possible to get! 'Helixir' sets the album's agenda right from the first second in that it quests forward on the back of the most exquisite rhythms creating sublime grooves that immediately captivate my whole being. Around these awesome syncopations weave glorious laid back echoing little guitar licks combining with touches of synth to create just a hint of melody. JIC become better, more professional and 'slick' sounding with each album but don't mistake this to mean all production without content. The level of musicianship is high and used to conjure absorbing, body moving and mind stimulating music of the highest order.

We get an interlude of wailing distorted guitar (just a minute or so) called 'Crunchy nut Pornflakes' which acts as a sort of portal to 'E flat black flat'. This time a slow rhythm combines with a really evocative organ sound, subtle guitar touches shimmering over it all. At about half way through the pace quickens as a squelchy sequence gives the whole thing added depth. It's all rather funky and I just couldn't keep my feet still- traditional Electronic Music this ain't! 'Turtle Haze' however brings things back to gentle normality as we drift along dreamily on the back of the most gorgeous synth pads. 'Gem B' returns us to mean groove territory with the coolest of guitar colouring. This is the first of 5 tracks recorded at the one and only Electronic Music concert anyone ever played at Birmingham's Think Tank. Rapid little staccato melodies circle around the complex rhythms with just the right amount of guitar. It really kicks ass and should bring back pleasant memories to all those who attended this sold out gig. As we continue the guitar becomes more prominent but without resorting to axe man heroics, the technology used so that it can provide both background textures and lead duties at the same time. Those rhythms though - awesome!

Just when I thought things couldn't get any better the next Think Tank track follows. 'Helioseismology' begins with moody growling guitar, electronic twitters and a bass sequence which slowly develops. We get some sampled text about 'flying across oceans', more killer beats forming in its wake. An Eastern sounding synth string melody rises to the surface as the rhythms gain even greater 'attitude'. Yet more awesome thick analogue leads are deployed as the track continues on its incredible inexorable build. 'Your weed is Queen' is a short two-minute studio penned transitional piece but even so it's full of subtle gentle beauty, hanging in the air like a bird on the wind. Back to the concert with 'A flat float'. To start of with it's all rather ominous and brooding- and then there is a complete reversal in mood as a simplistic almost Bossa Nova type beat combines with delicately played Piano and dreamy guitar. If this was any more laid back I think I would just liquidize into a puddle of gloopy custard! Yes, it's all very nice but in the context of the rest of the album- just a bit odd. 'Drizzolve' continues the concert music and quickens the pace once more as a rapid sequence and tabla type rhythm surge forward, soon joined by a bass pulse. More drums are deployed and we are back to wicked body moving syncopations. 'Post party Pondering' is another short breather but as with all the other transitional tracks just because it is short doesn't mean that care hasn't been put in. This is as ethereal and angelic as you could hope for- just the contrast needed before we enter 'A-potent', probably the moodiest track on the album. It starts with subtle tabla drums before a second rhythm, like the cracking of a whip, makes it's entrance, hitting the spot perfectly but at the same time retaining the wonderful atmos so carefully crafted. Lovely soft choral pads act as backing whilst gorgeous guitar almost weeps from the speakers. We wind down to a finish with the curiously titled and incredible melancholy 'Huh?'. Joint Intelligence Committee go from strength to strength. (DL)

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