Mac of BIOnight Black Light Play Sample:   56K Dialup   Broadband   Download Sample:   500K   1.5Mb (Excerpt from track(s) 'Inadequate')

I have been exchanging emails with Mac for a few years now, on and off, so was aware of a horrendous accident he had after which he had to come to terms with both mental and physical scars on the long journey to recovery. He was cutting up wood with a chainsaw and suddenly the chainsaw hit something, bounced back and struck him in the face. During the ordeal that followed over the next few months Mac said that sometimes things became so dark that 'even the light seems to be black', thus the title of this album. Sometimes though, times of such despair fuel an artist's creativity and that is what has happened here as 'Black Light' is an amazing album, quite the best I have ever heard from him either solo or as part of BIOnight.

'Inadequate' starts with bright but moody shimmering melodic touches wafting through the air then in comes a rhythm and bouncy sequence combination. The sequence is excellent but I am not too sure about the drums as they do sound a little too 'retro' to me thus provide the only slightly negative comment I have about the entire album. Having said that though they do seem to blend in with the piece the more you listen to it. 'Manmade Horrors' continues on at quite a pace with an excellent bubbling sequence taking the initial lead before an even better bass sequence joins it and it is from here on in that the album really starts to show its class. Again brooding pads form quite an effective contrast as yet another sequence is added almost giving a snarl to proceedings. Fantastic Stuff!

'A Deeper Pain' continues to feature sequences heavily but this time slower, as if questing, trying to find something. A way out maybe. The sequences go through various twists before disappearing only to return accompanied by an almost hissing rhythm. Again, absolutely wonderful. 'Waiting for the Winter to end' is really moody as windy effects mix with soft tron type sounds and a tender piano lead line. It is a gorgeous interlude that breaks things up again before the sequences return once more in 'Trying to Understand'. They are of a tinkling variety which provides the perfect foil for the introduction of another spot on ballsey bass sequence. They form their own melody as they weave round each other captivating the mind, drawing you in. No chance of concentration wandering here. Rhythm joins the pulsations and I am reminded a little of Skin Mechanix at their best. Virtual guitar then comes in adding that extra bite. 'Scars' brings back rumbling deep dark sequences. This is moody, moody, haunting stuff. In the last two minutes all the pulsations disappear and we are left with deep melancholy atmospherics. Another slice of brilliance. 'If I have too' keeps up the despair with string sounds then angst ridden distorted virtual guitar type electronic barrages. A brooding sequence rumbles forward trying to dispel the feeling of hopelessness. The pace quickens as more rhythm comes in along with explosive soundwaves.