Bob Holroyd
A Different Space
I had heard positive things about an earlier Bob Holroyd release, 'Fluidity & Structure,' but have never actually heard his work until now. Dubbed on the outer sleeve as global electronica, ranging "from deep ambient soundscapes to thundering Afro-Cuban beats," this is a pretty apt description of 'A Different Space.' Rhythm is the thing here, lots of it. Holroyd plays all keyboards, loops and samples. A variety of guest musicians play everything from percussion and trumpet, to Uilleann pipes, bamboo flute, zummara, and Cretan lyra. The pounding beats are very good. Fans of world music, and more tribal-influenced Steve Roach works, may find this to their liking. There is a fair amount of male chanting, which I found a bit heavy at times, particularly on the first two tracks, 'Drumming Up a Storm' and 'Journeyman.' However, I really enjoyed the three tracks that follow.

'A Promise to Return' effectively melds ambient and world influences together, sounding a bit reminiscent of mellower tunes from Peter Gabriel's 'Passion' CD. 'Passing Through' has a pulsing, slow beat, with swirling atmospheres and occasional chants. The arrangement is lush, yet sounds sparse and relaxing. The beat is very hypnotic, great drumming here. A tad mellower still is 'Dark Waters,' which features whispered vocals and some really nice piano. This could pass for a light pop/jazz number, with only traces of the world influence. A very straightforward lead guitar adds some Western flavour as well. 'African Drug (original tribal mix)' is layer upon layer of drums. Whenever the focus is on the drums, this CD really shines. I'm no drummer, but I think percussionists would really like this. Here, the tribal-sounding vocals act as part of the percussion. If Patrick O'Hearn were to try world music, it might sound a bit like 'Something Understood,' with its delicate, reverberating piano, foreign female vocals, and O'Hearn-like textures and atmospheres. A jazzy bass line also runs through this one, adding to the relaxed tone. Female vocal samples replace male chanting as the disc progresses. The latter tracks sound like world lounge music, developing a very cool, hip attitude. The closest comparison I can think of would be Paul Haslinger's solo work since leaving Tangerine Dream.

On the whole, 'A Different Space' creates music that is both more structured and yet more experimental than most electronic music. If you have diverse musical interests, including world and jazz, this would be worth pursuing as something different. (PD)

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