Radio Massacre International
Rain Falls in Grey
CD / 7 tracks / 59.57 mins
Play Sample:   56K Dialup   Broadband
Download Sample:   500K   1.5Mb
(Excerpt from track(s) 'Bettr'r Day-s')
This album is a heartfelt tribute to Syd Barret, the first (title track) and last pieces being recorded just after his death. A montage of blissed out guitar effects transport us to a strange trippy world. Electronic twitters and reedy bass rumblings take things to even more crazed levels. Then Steve's wonderful drums, Gary's thunderous guitar and some fantastic period organ playing propel things forward with earth shaking power. Electronic Music as we know it this ain't but bloody exciting it most certainly is! Saxophone, courtesy of guest musician Martin Archer, momentarily duels with the guitar then some more excellent organ playing takes over lead duties. Call it what you will - Space Rock - Psychedelic - whatever, it doesn't really matter, if you have a yearning to listen to more of these styles of music you will be blown away by this. We then descend into a sea of electronic drift which acts as tranquil backing to some lovely gentle guitar licks. Despite what it says in the artwork this album rarely has anything in common with Tangerine Dream or Klaus Schulze. The other comparisons of 'Medal' era Pink Floyd and Djam Karet however are much closer to the mark. 'Better'r Day-s' continues the mood forward as a steady groove is developed, an excellent bass line falling into step with the cool rhythm. Shimmering guitar touches shine out. It's a little like the more blues end of the Kraut Rock spectrum I suppose- early Jane came to mind (with a touch of Cream thrown in for good measure!). The drums subside as twittering electronics and, shock horror!, a sequence chimes up- and rather excellent it is too. Now this is where the TD comparison is apt but really it is just a fleeting moment.

'Shut Up' is a rather abstract piece featuring a montage of electronic effects creating a nightmarish other worldly soundscape. There is no rhythm here at all so in some ways it gives us a bit of a breather- though quite a disturbing one. We follow straight through to 'Syd' and this is where the band really let rip and give it the full rock treatment. The drums pound out over another powerful bass line. Shreaking electronics and a wall of guitar sounds all go together to create the most amazing two minutes of angst ridden excitement- simply awesome! The shadows of the previous track subside as we float into the gorgeous 'Emissary'. The gentlest of guitar colouring floats above a sea of electronic twitters. Gradually things become a little more syncopated and melodic creating a relaxed head nodding and foot tapping mood which takes something of a 'Canterbury' turn with the introduction of some sax, bouncing off more excellent guitar work from Gary (Steve Hillage and Gong meet Floyd!). 'Legacy' is all rather whimsical and trippy, getting us in a blissed out state before '........ far away'. Moody guitar licks hang in the air over the sparsest of backing. Gradually more electronics and a bass line emerge but it is still all incredibly subtle. Mellotron is deployed and things become even more emotional. What a beautiful and yet heart rendingly melancholy track.

Berlin School this isn't but a wonderful album nevertheless which probably demonstrates more than any other of their CDs just what fine musicians these guys are. (DL)

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