John Dyson Silverbird

First up we have the title track. A heart warming melody soars above some lovely synth pads then the sequence joins in, adding to rather than distracting from the theme. 'Survival' starts off as a gentle reflective piece but then before long we get classic John Dyson, jaunty rhythms and delicate themes. This track would not have been out of place on 'Evolution'. A tinkling xylophone melody gets 'Last Flight Home' under way but it isn't long before things beef up both in the melody and rhythm department. I found myself humming this one all afternoon. At eleven minutes 'Time Enough' is by far the longest track here. From symphonic beginnings we get the sounds of a wind swept landscape then a delicate tune carries us forwards and certainly provides time enough for emotion to build and the heart to soar. At the half way mark a lovely sequence takes over, another typical Dyson sequence plays over the top then we get a great drum build up which takes us to the end. A piano heralds 'Blue Echoes' and dominates the piece, very moody.

The Next two tracks 'Fur and Feathers' and 'The Masque' were both recorded live in the studio. The former is the most beautiful track here, combining a heart rending melody played on guitar with that famous JD high register flutey synth accompanying it. The pace then quickens and we move into what could almost be a medieval dance. Tremendously effective. The latter is a very delicate number especially in the guitar department. It walks the tight rope of becoming too sweet but just manages to stay on the rope rather than falling into bed of petals below. 'Thermals' was probably recorded one freezing night in John's studio at Soddett Hall. A sequence that sounds very much like water dripping from icicles remains low in the mix throughout the first half of the track and the piano is left to play the major part. Again this is very laid back and beautiful stuff. 'Tempus Fugit' is a little more upbeat and typical Dyson. We then move on to the final number 'Reprisal', starting with a rather (for want of a better word) squelchy sequence. John's guitar playing then dominates and finishes the album in uplifting fashion.