Ashok Prema Of Times & Places

After the preview of the cassette in the E.M.MAgagine 95/5 the official CD is now available. Ash terms this style of music "East 'n Synth" and it's a very appropriate phrase. The music is generally bright, melodic and uptempo and the proliferation of tablas throughout does give the music an eastern edge. The loose feel and melodic panache of 'Views from a Room' still impress and the chugging sequence of 'Transitions' combines well with tablas and neatly played themes, the guitar refrains to close being especially strong. 'Champagne Lake' injects welcome variety with grandiose refrains to open, followed by a stirring combination of electric guitar and powerful percussion. Mark Shreeve fans will note his contri-bution on 'A Walk Down Green Lanes', an annoyingly infectious track whose melody lingers in the mind way after it's finished. 'Daybreak at Redoubt Road' combines a variety of synth themes and tabla textures, and the closing trio again present some well constructed melodies and excellent guitar for which guest musician Rob Jenkins deserves much praise. This is a meticulously produced CD which strives for melody and subtlety rather than raw energy. It will appeal to those not looking for too much of a challenge, just something a bit different. (GG)

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