Mark Shreeve Nocturne

Mark's long awaited studio album is a timely reminder that he is the main exponent of driving electronic rock with his uniquely muscular percussion and memorable melodies. Meateater continues in the style of previous offerings and reveals that the muse has not deserted him. Aftershock is a more impressionistic nightmare scenario preparing the listener for the frenetic, no holds barred, Ride the Lightning. Shreeve's penchant for strident tunes is as always much in evidence throughout the set. However, this is arguably Mark's most varied offering to date. Aurora for example is a more delicate, subtle piece with a more restrained rhythm but highly infectious melody. Lol Mason's vocals on Big Trouble may not please some purists but overall it is a fine song and Shreeve provides powerful accompaniment to Mason's rich delivery. Shreeve's credentials as songwriter have been well documented and it is good to see this now surfacing on his own albums. Hellchilde takes us into schlock horror with doom laden chords and eerie effects including guitar pyrotechnics courtesy of Craig Joiner. Shreeve's suitability for horror soundtracks must surely lead to him scoring a big horror/supernatural movie soon. Dynamo Eternal is another infectious instrumental in a more optimistic vein. Ceremony has more of a symphonic epic feel whilst retaining Shreeve's latent energy and dynamics. Century Down again features Mason's vocals and is a more restrained outing with more assured melodies and quieter passages which exude menace. Summer Drift '69 is the biggest surprise on the album, a rare excursion into daylight and romance. No surprise that Shreeve serves up another first rate melody but in a quirky (check out the 60's style phasing) eccentric manner. A personal favourite. The title track returns us to more familiar ground, unconsecrated of course, with some fine controlled guitar accompaniment to Shreeve's electronics. Arguably the most commercial cut on the album as it veers closer to rock, complete with vocal effects and is once again more reflective in tone. I cannot understand why a few fans have expressed mild disappointment with Nocturne. OK, some tracks—in rougher format—are in evidence on the Library CDs but these were never meant for official release and should not affect judgement of this official follow up to Crash Head. It is his most varied and successful album to date and an ideal starting point for the uninitiated. (SR)

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