Jim Kirkwood Corvis Christi Play Sample:   56K Dialup   Broadband   Download Sample:   500K   1.5Mb (Excerpt from track(s) 'Tarot Revelation')

'Cathari' begins with what sounds like someone beating on a metal door. This forms a rhythm all of its own around which apocalyptic sounds swirl, lead lines scorching over the top. A sequence forces through the Hellish backdrop. It becomes faster and more complex as an additional percussive rhythm is added lower in the mix. In the fifth minute all departs and instead we get some dramatic stabs of sound before descending to an atmospheric section mainly comprising soft pads. This is a very short interlude however before another sequence bubbles into life. It is quite restrained at first but gradually starts to build and more syncopation comes into play.

A lovely melodic flutey synth line provides a little softness but it is answered by a much more scything lead and the sequence ups a couple of gears. There is then a clever transition where a new sequence and excellent delicate lead line replace the old. The pace is even faster but somehow there is a curious subtlety here that manages to save things from becoming too OTT even when the power rhythms and pulsations reach boiling point. Jim never just starts a sequence or rhythm and lets it run. Each element is ever changing, diving first one way then another, like a storm crashing to the shore to retreat again only to descend on a new location. The mood alters for the last two minutes as a slow loping, head nodding sequence provides the main focus of interest over spooky backing. This is one of Jim's best tracks ever!

'Al Zhara' gets straight into more pulsations, too many lines of them to separately identify, all going together to form one gently simmering brew. A melodic loop starts up increasing the pace just a tad. Jim is so good at very slowly building the speed and tension of a piece. More layers are added but somehow things remain uncluttered, drawing us deeper into the music as each new element is introduced. In the seventh minute the backing pads begin to swell to accompany some Sufi mystic chanting and lovely flute detail. By the tenth minute all is quiet again with swirling mists of sound creating a brooding atmosphere. 'Tarot Revelation' gets off to a very atmospheric start with a collage of sounds and effects. It's like a restless sleep where the mind uneasily darts this way and that. A slow tuneful sequence starts to emerge as if some welcome familiar image settles the mind. By the sixth minute a relatively heavy rhythm has started up waking us from our slumber and taking us onwards in a purposeful fashion though still, somehow, with nightmare thoughts at the back of the mind. By the tenth minute a rapid sequence has made an entrance and we are now hurtling forwards trying to escape from some unknown pursuer. Energy waves flash over the top like arcing electricity.