Steve Jolliffe
Deep Down Far
Steve's previous two offerings 'Zanzi' and 'Omni' were good sellers for SMD, with Steve's own twist on the modern ambient style proving very popular. 'Deep Down Far', however comes over as a much more emotional collection. Beautiful without being pretty and with a heavy dose of the melancholy. The initial impression, rather fittingly for the title, is one of being at the bottom of some deep ocean trench, staccato string sounds play out an aggressive melody then a piano refrain is added giving the whole thing a rather orchestral feel.

Drifting into the second track the piano still plays an important role, backed by synth pads and a gentle rhythm. The third number continues the journey, initially very laid back but then what sounds like a guitar and real drums are added. The acoustic feel to the track is enhanced as more and more such sounds are incorporated and the rhythmic element is intensified. The fourth track again uses a piano to provide the melody but a bass beat takes us more towards ambient territory though how it mixes with the more acoustic rhythms is extremely inventive.

Track five revisits the depths then we move on to the epic last number, all 24 minutes of it. This is certainly no marathon however as there is one superb twist after another, the mood changing constantly. First of all the piano lulls you into a false sense of security then the sequence is introduced and analogue shimmers effervesce over the top. This only lasts a couple of minutes however and we are back to the tranquil mood of before, the melody being absolutely outstanding. We then get another very fast sequence with similar string stabs to earlier. The sequence slows down but becomes more ballsy and the surrounding sounds are electronic rather than orchestral. All these changes have happened and we are only half way in! Another sequence takes over from the previous one, this time almost sounding like something off Tim Blake's Crystal Machine'. Takes me right back way when.

For the next twist we visit the Orient, finishing up with the bash of a gong . The piano returns but it is backed by an early Jarre sequence! So to sum up, this is not remotely like anything he has done before and for that matter not like anything I have ever heard anyone else do before either! (DL)

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