Ashok Prema (feat Rob Jenkins) Matter Play Sample:   56K Dialup   Broadband   Download Sample:   500K   1.5Mb (Excerpt from track(s) 'Unicorn')

Recorded on the 28th September 2002 with Ash Prema on keyboards and sequencing and Rob Jenkins on sequencing, programming and guitar, 'Matter' is a reminder of just how good those gigs were at Jodrell Bank. 'Enigma' opens the set with Rob Jenkins' hypnotic, echoed guitar cross fading into 'Electric Eyes' which begins with bright synth lines and sequencing, then slows down before more layers of sequencing are steadily built with subtle guitar added to the mix. Already the clever use of dynamics is apparent and the two musicians create their music with attention to detail and light and shade. 'Matter of Time' starts with bright rhythms and phased effects which provide the backdrop to melodic lines and terrific sequencing and some scorching guitar. Like many of the tracks on offer here, there are enough ideas to extend the piece further. Two short pieces, 'Galleria' and 'Unicorn' follow. The former creates a powerful, orchestral, gothic atmosphere which serves as a dramatic prequel to the excellent 'Unicorn'. Superb bass sequences lay down the backbone as tabla effects, guitar and finally a terrific, ethnic tinged motif combine together to make an exotic and intoxicating brew. Add More sequences and some Tangerine Dream style chords and 'Unicorn' is a bona fide classic and over in under 3 minutes! I must admit to listening to this several times on 'repeat' before progressing on to 'Radioscope'.

Changing the pace somewhat 'Radioscope' begins slowly but the omnipresent sequencers are deployed straight away and provide the backdrop to more reflective electronic textures and some outstanding guitar work which scorches across the channels. At just under 10 minutes this is the longest piece of the set and ends with phased choral effects and appreciative applause. 'Nature of Abstraction' features some good piano and synth interplay before cross fading into the more impressionistic opening to 'Driftward' which goes on to lay down some good rhythms, bass sequences, guitar and climaxes. 'Illuminate (in memory)' is a short, melodic and reflective piece followed by 'Prismatix' an inconsequential miniature. 'Coarse Matter' starts with some phased effects and symphonic textures before the sequencers make a welcome return but the melodics here are not as convincing as previous outings. 'Rise' is a short powerful track again with sequencing, percussion and cross fades into 'Search' which drifts pleasantly enough into 'Matter and Fact' which brings the guitar back into prominence with dramatic, sustained notes being the prime focus to a low key ending to the live performance. The signal is very clear and but for the applause at the end of the first half and the end of the set you wouldn't guess this was a live performance as the sound is studio quality.