Callisto Signal to the Stars Play: Lo-Fi   Mid-Fi   Hi-Fi   Download: Lo-Fi   Mid-Fi   Hi-Fi (Excerpt from track 'Sycorax Part 2')

Callisto consists of David Wright and Dave Massey united with a common musical vision of electronica focusing mainly on melody, sequences and rhythms, allowing their ideas to develop across carefully crafted extended pieces. The music takes on a strong identity of its own outside of the previous recording projects associated with the duo but essentially plays to the strengths of both musicians ie) Wright's compositional vision and Massey's detailed and rich production values. 'Sycorax' Part 1 quickly establishes a deep echoing bass line with melodic sequences set against complex rhythms before at around the 4 minute mark more dramatic orchestral tones are added with improvised lines steadily building to a climax before gradually scaling down to a more relaxed 'chilled' section which cross fades into Part 2 a more subdued romantic exploration again slowly building in intensity before subsiding into the 3 part 'Iosphere'.

The gentle melody evokes open eyed wonder of a cosmic vista implied by the title but pictured in the listener's imagination. The theme is developed and nurtured through Part 2 and gradually builds in grandeur and scale into Part 3 before the slow deconstruction towards the cross fade into 'Elara'. A more immediate, romantic, but more uptempo piece 'Elara' is the shortest and possibly most commercial cut on the album. 'Setisphere', another 3 parter, begins gently in now trademark Callisto fashion, as sequences, melodies, bass lines and rhythms are added meticulously to the mix building atmosphere and density up to the epic climax on Part 3. The melody gains power over a deep resonating, rumbling bassline reaching a climax before the cross fade into the final and, arguably the best track 'Naiad'. Piano is added to the Callisto palette and the build up is a little slower this time but the main melody in full aural widescreen is well worth the wait, evoking a cinematic epic. Cleverly deploying light and shade Part 3 eases the listener down by means of a gently evocative classical track and closes the set satisfactorily.