Ramp Oughtibridge Play Sample:   56K Dialup   Broadband   Download Sample:   500K   1.5Mb (Excerpt from track(s) 'Stern')

This CD was recorded live at Jodrell Bank on June 23rd 2001. Some of you were probably at the show and have long since given up hope of an official release. Well, despair no longer, here it is. As fitting to the setting of the concert we kick off with 'dron (e) field', a very cosmic track. This isn't an easy area of the cosmos though, all deep dark and decidedly spooky; like a scene from the film 'Alien'. A rumbling sequence starts up at the beginning of 'ozone'. It has a tremendously powerful feel to it but also with an evil twist. There is a growl to the pulsations and depth that will shake the floor. Another sequence joins the first as do fascinating little melodies that at one moment seem quite bright but then morph to a more ominous refrain. Sonic growls add to proceedings almost sounding like distorted laser fire, as if heard from a great distance. Another sequence is hurled into the pot fizzing with pent up energy taking things to almost apocalyptic proportions then there is a steady stripping back as a tinkling sequence, like a warning beacon, becomes the main feature. The laser fire can still being heard in the distance. What an awesome track- one of the best I have heard from them!

'oughtibridge' returns us to more atmospheric realms but this time things are ethereal and peaceful. Lovely lush sounds are chosen which are easy to immerse yourself in and become wonderfully detached from reality. A very similar feeling persists as we float into 'ascension' but things soon take the spooky path again as wordless spectral female vocal colouring is introduced. As the track progresses the sound becomes increasingly dense and foreboding. 'fibre' sees the return of sequences but as before these are dense and floor shaking. Indeed they form more of a looped bass line than a sequence as such. A more conventional, tremendously heavy sequence spews from the speakers right from the beginning of 'tool'. If played in the hills it could cause an avalanche. If the military get to hear of it, it could well be classed as a lethal weapon! Unbelievably more sequences are added. This must surely be the equivalent of Sequencer Death Metal! Another incredible track. 'dune' takes over with a sort of blood bumping throb then transports us back into space. 'lovell' (named after the Radio Telescope at Jodrell Bank) takes us even deeper into the barely charted realms of the cosmos and we once again float in peaceful isolation. Things become even more tranquil, beautiful even on 'stern'. How this album juxtapositions the most glorious floating atmospheric numbers with out and out mayhem is masterful. This is exemplified perfectly with the next track 'spinegrinder'. From the first few seconds we are transported to brooding oozing realms as an ominous reverberating rhythm starts up, joined by first one sequence then another; later accompanied by a blistering, growling lead line. I presume that was the end of the main set and that they decided on the CD to just cross fade into the encores as the next track is titled 'you want some more?' It is a short gentle piece for piano and electronics leading into another dose of sequencer mayhem with the final track 'No Hard Shoulder'. An excellent way to finish.