Jim Kirkwood Shroud of Many Colours Play: Lo-Fi   Mid-Fi   Hi-Fi   Download: Lo-Fi   Mid-Fi   Hi-Fi (Excerpt from track 'Haematite')

Sub titled 'Vampyre Vol 2' this is something of a continuation from 'Blood & Feathers'. You couldn't really ask for the opening track 'Haematite' to be any more exciting. Its typical Kirkwood at his rip roaring best. We begin with a dramatic noise then mysterious swirling sounds out of which a slow deep ominous beat emerges. Its as if the devil himself is banging on a vast subterranean drum. Then pow! A rapid bass sequence accompanied by a high register one thunder forth. Excellent lead lines increase the tension. The sequences subside for a very brief period as an increasing number of melodies weave around each other but you just know they will return. And storm back they certainly do with an even more devastating lead flashing like a laser over the top. No-one else is doing music like this and yet there is nothing outlandish about it. Its pure energy, tenderness, angst and well- Kirkwood! We finish with deep distorted demonic vocals telling something of the underlying story before we begin the forty minute 'The Shining Ones'. Chaotic atmospherics give way to vast dark drones. Drums surge forward as if armies are moving over the land like an unstoppable sea. Powerful leads enhance the feeling of invulnerability.

A slow pulse starts up amongst bird-song. Vocoded chants accompany another excellent deep sequence followed by subtle melodies and yet more sequences. Jim manages to have so much going on within his music without it sounding cluttered. By the fifth minute there are so many sequences it is impossible to count them. Jim's music would be brilliant live, this track especially, it just oozes excitement. More crashing drums add to the wonderful mayhem. In the eleventh minute things become somewhat moodier but still full of menace. The pattern of sequences is jut as complex but somewhat more subtle. We get another big change in the twentieth minute, the sequences momentarily depart and chanting monks bring on a much more atmospheric section. It isn't long however before we are treated to another deep sequence around which more pulsations weave. The pace very gradually starts to quicken but without ever getting too out of hand.