Rainbow Serpent Live at Liphook 2007 CD / 7 Tracks / 71.08 mins Play Sample:   56K Dialup   Broadband Download Sample:   500K   1.5Mb (Excerpt from track(s) 'Ruckblenden')

Squelchy, almost manic, sonic pulses move up and down the audio spectrum then gradually after the initial barrage settle down to wonderful edgy dark textures. 'Le Vant Dans la Plaine' is certainly an inventive track and we are only three minutes into it. Great crashing loping rhythms enter like the steps of a giant. Lovely swirling melodic motifs add a further sense of movement. It's all quite complex but also really beautiful. Throw yourself right into the gentle sonic vortex to get the most out of it. We flow straight into 'Twelve Celli', sampled wordless vocal colouring serenely wafts from the speakers over string pads then solo cello and violin sounds. This is so tranquil and spaced out, having a very Schulze / Tiepold feel to it. A steady rhythm provides structure without damaging the lovely peaceful atmos until a more urgent sequence begins to make itself heard. Even so the beautiful cello never becomes the junior partner. The earlier references are now even more obvious. What a wonderful composition this is. Another tinkling sequence starts up as we progress into 'Tangram' (no it's not a cover version!), cosmic twitters launching skyward. A second faster sequence joins the first along with a ticking high hat line. Things are given a little extra oomph as the drums come in. It's a bit like a Broekhuis, Keller and Schonwalder interpretation of Klaus' style (if you know what I mean!!!). Whatever, it's another wonderful bubbling track, just close your eyes and let yourself be taken along with it. 'Calais' is a relatively short piece starting off as quite a dark cosmic number but then developing into a blissful gently melodic track with ethereal wordless vocal colouring. 'En Passant' initially carries through with this mood, introducing just the faintest hint of melancholy. The subtlest of rhythms then a gentle caressing melodic sequence bubble to the surface. A new bass sequence rumbles into position, the original sequence stepping up a gear in response. We get a tranquil interlude in the tenth minute but when the drums re-emerge they come in flourishes and are deeper than before. There is quite a serene feel but with a sort of restless edginess on the fringes. 'Memories' (again not a cover version- thank goodness!) is one of the best tracks on the album; a fantastic short tender gently melodic piece which I wish could have gone on longer. The final track 'Ruckblenden' again starts in an ominous dark cosmic mood but doesn't waste much time deploying the sequences (which have quite a disorientating stereo effect when heard on earphones!). Once more, Klaus Schulze is the obvious comparison. Rhythm and a high hat line fall into formation then yet another sequence, this time quite melodic, becomes the main focus. It's really quite complex but not remotely bludgeoning. Mellotron sounds complete a perfect package. An absolutely stunning track and fantastic way to finish off the album. (DL)

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