Steve Jolliffe Omni Please go to the Store to buy this item.

'Enter' begins very gently with cosmic noises before the melody, using a number of held down chords, is introduced with a "squelchy" sequence underpinning it. At the 7 minute mark it is all change and a much more "in yer face" sequence is used, initially almost in isolation. This sequence radically changes from time to time, at some moments sounding like a helicopter coming into land and at others adopting an almost vocal quality with an enjoyable melody played underneath. At 10 minutes the sequence becomes particularly heavy, great played loud! At 14 minutes the tension really builds and crashing effects heighten the mood still further, this is a superb section. 'Drift' begins rather appropriately for the title but after a very short time a "tinkling" sequence attracts the attention. This is soon replaced with more sequences and a half heard vocal effect which combine to make a mesmerizing, swirling mixture which takes many plays to fully appreciate. A heavy sequence is then used and the track really starts to kick. Sequences and rhythms come and go making sure that the attention is always kept logged on. If you still remember Steve Jolliffe from his earlier albums (ie more than a couple of years ago with all the sax and flute in) you will be in for a real shock. In fact you will just not believe that this album is by the same artist, all electronic and with both feet firmly in the 90s. Finally we have 'Immerse' and it is really a variation on what we have had before, ie more great rhythms (watch out for the amazing bass rumblings) and sequences though this time probably with even greater intensity. Slightly more use is made of melody though we never exactly break into anything that could be called a tune. At the half way mark things are changed radically as we are treated to a piano / synth intermission. But you guessed it the rhythm and sequences come back again refreshed and ready to play havoc with your senses again and putting you into a state of trance. If you have heard his previous album 'Zanzi' then you will have an idea what to expect here though this is really quite a step forward even from that album. On first play I liked this album but still preferred 'Zanzi'. Now I have played it a few more times, however, I think that this is superior and in fact is his best album to date. (DL)

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