Radio Massacre International Republic

Here at last is chapter 2 of Radio Massacre International's continuing exploration of territories prematurely abandoned by others. Those who were at the RMI/AirSculpture concert at Jodrell Bank will know that I reviewed 'Republic' in the programme. Slightly premature admittedly but such is my enthusiasm for this album that I simply couldn't resist spreading the word that a milestone album was on the way. If jaws dropped when people heard 'Frozen North', they will be clanking on the floor when faced with the awesome textures created on this album. The album contains three tracks, and all are loosely based on the classic "intro / sequenced section / closing section" formula. 'Send Off' opens with wonderful synthesised effects and mellotron touches, then embarks on its sequencer run. It's a superb multilayered section accompanied by white noise splashes and more superb mellotron. The sequence mutates, shifts, breaks down then starts up again. It's classic stuff and as far as I'm concerned this is what EM is all about! 'Raw Cane Approach' was originally produced as a BBC Radio Derby "Session" for Ashley Franklin's 'Soundscapes'. I just love the thought of radio listeners switching on Ashley's programme to accompany a post Sunday roast relax, and being confronted by this! Five minutes of jangling, clanking, effects give way to mellotron washes. The slow throb of a sequence slowly emerges, then extra syncopations are created and a powerful rhythm established which shifts around constantly. Electric guitar starts to batter against the sequenced wall. Mellotron choirs pierce the dense collage of sound. The sequence becomes almost hypnotic as the frenzied guitar threatens total overload. You think the music has reached a peak, but then a higher one is scaled. It's awesome! Give me a spoon. I want to eat it. 'Republic'. This is one of the first tracks I ever heard by RMI. Dave (C&D) Shoesmith sent a cassette copy to us just before EMMA#3, suggesting we may be "interested". Dave has a dry sense of humour. Interested! I nearly broke my neck running for the phone. This track ranks alongside anything, and I mean anything, I've heard in 20 years. Sequences? It's got sequences to die for. Mellotron? Unbelievably beautiful flute/choir textures. Clanking bells and deep synth tones herald the sequencer run. And a delicate oscillating sound. You just know something good is about to happen. It's the groove that does it. A good sequence is one that flows, it hits a groove, and then just goes for it. On this track it does exactly that, all the time accompanied by gob smackingly brilliant synth/mellotron tones. Sod the review, I'm just going to sit back and listen! There are so many aspects to admire about this album it's difficult to know where to start. Infact, it's completely futile to put into words how good this is - so bollocks to it. I've run out of superlatives. This is Electronic Music. What more can I say? (GG)

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