Spyra Orphan Waves

This is the fifth album in the series which started with the now very rare 'Phonehead' then carried on through 'Etherlands', 'Spherics' and 'Invisible Fields'. Bleeps and static give way to a slow relaxed rhythm and little delicate melody that you can just lay back and luxuriate in. It's impossible not to let yourself go with the flow, head gently nodding and feet twitching to the exquisite syncopations. The intensity and complexity of the rhythms increase and very soon the heart is starting to race as excitement levels pick up. Things are in a constant state of flux however and it isn't long before calmness descends once more on the back of an exquisite tinkling melody. Following an opener like that is going to be no easy task so instead 'Kingoldrum' goes off on an, initially, rather bizarre tangent, with some sampled text about 'a big bag of pillows my father collected'! Gentle guitar licks carry things onward in a rather dreamy fashion. In the fifth minute some moody organ playing and increased use of percussion come in, increasing the pace a little but without spoiling the carefully crafted laid back feel.

'PsychoCity' continues with sampled chatter in the background over which gently pulses a captivating little melody which builds beautifully until joined by some wonderful electric guitar. A couple of minutes later it is all change as drums join the guitar and bass line to whip up a good old Kraut Rock improvised thrash- RMI at their most manic perhaps! After this crazed interlude we gradually morph back to the more tranquil easy rhythmic territory of the opening section, the electric guitar once again playing a vital role. 'XyloCity Part lll' juxtapositions a high register melody with slow ominous drums. Some rather poetic but sinister spoken text increases the unease still further. There is then a sudden change / softening of mood as piano becomes the main focus. 'XyloCity Part lV' begins with a sort of glockenspiel type loop which acts as a background around which weave various other syncopations and lead lines, building all the time until a cool groove is developed only to descend back to moody piano to finish. The piano continues through on to the rather short title track but this time the melodies have a decidedly classical, melancholy feel. I imagine that this is where the album proper finishes, as there is quite a pause before 'Sferix Remix'. I guess this is a reworking from his third FAX label album but my memory of that CD is now rather vague so I can't be sure. Again, the music is moody mixing tight rhythms with slow brooding lead line and ethereal wordless vocals.