Paul Nagle Earthshaper

The last instalment of Paul Nagle's elemental series, the others being 'Wavemaker', 'Firedancer' and 'Skyrider'. The first thing that strikes you about the album cover is its similarity to Edgar Froese's 'Epsilon in Malaysian Pale', with fern leaf close-ups in abundance. The inside cover continues the forest theme with Paul partially concealed behind a tree, the kind of thing you'd probably find in master digger swampy's photo album. If you are getting the impression that this is a "back to earth" kind of concept album then you'd not be far wrong. It is the type of thing that makes you want to make a tree hut in the path of the Newbury bypass, the perfect type of chill out music in preparation for a confrontation with Department of Transport security guards. Mid paced in the main, earthy rhythmics and effects to the fore on some pieces, while others chart more traditional EM paths with sequencers and melodic leads - a good example of this being the opener 'Bloodstone'. Personal highlight is 'Retribution', a strident outing with infectious melodics and a powerful syncopating sequence. (GG)

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