Binar
Spindragons

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(Excerpt from track(s) 'Supernova')

CD (Limited Edition of 300) / 11 tracks / 79.04 mins

'Bride of Spankenstein' just has to have been titled by Andy but is apt as it initially contains vocal samples, over rather sinister sounding backing, all about spanking! These depart and a slow bass sequence starts to form. Another higher register sequence comes to join it then a rhythm kicks. There is also quite a bit of subtle melodic content leading up to a lovely piano lead line after the half way mark. We seamlessly flow through to 'Ultrasound Dudes'. This time the initial brace of sequences posses a sort of squelchy sound. A wonderful dreamy virtual guitar lead line hits the spot perfectly. By the fourth minute things have gained additional oomph and we are bouncing along beautifully. 'Tell me Why' has more vocal samples over weird backing before becoming increasingly syncopated. Little melodies delicately hang in the air mixing with the laidback beats wonderfully. What a fantastic track this is. 'Shaman You' (it could only be Binar!) continues along in very much the same vein with some more stunning virtual guitar taking the melodic duties whilst a little melodic sequence adds joyous detail over the top. 'Supernova' is appropriately explosive as sequences are piled on top of one another, drums also adding to the energy. Scything lead lines increase the excitement but as the track nears its end gentle melodic details gives a tender edge. Another stunner.

'A Strange Silence' keeps up the quality. It starts with a low pulse. Melodic loops are added then some rather good samples explain more about the title of the track. We soon ease into an infectious head-nodding groove punctuated by more wonderful piano playing. 'Out of Skinner's Box' sets the scene with rather manic vocal samples. A deep sequence rumbles forward like an unstoppable machine. Staccato lead lines increase the tension still further. A virtual acoustic guitar melody accompanied by lovely breathy ethereal pads contrasts the darkness perfectly. The guitar now becomes electric in nature and gives that extra bite whilst the rhythm imparts even more oomph. Piano enters again as we move to the final stages. Simply stunning. Indeed probably my favourite Binar track thus far. The title of 'Frog Orgy Afternoon' reminds me of a DVD Paul suggested we project onto the dome of the NSSC. Unfortunately the sight of a pile of psychedelic frogs busily at it made the Planetarium operator turn a funny colour and put him off his Mars Bar so we had to return to the fractals.

Anyway, I digress. The track builds slowly creating something of an uneasy feel but then seems to mellow as it bubbles along nicely finishing with processed Gregorian chanting which continues through to 'Tea Equals Zero'. Initially it's all very moody, simply dripping with melancholy. A swirling sequence starts to form low in the mix then really beefs up as it rumbles forth, steam hissing in its wake. Organ mixes with the pulsations creating a feeling of laidback cool. We transcend to 'Recurring Dream' with vocal samples about the 'Orifice of 1975' - now I wonder what all that can be about. Runs of notes ricochet between the speakers, reaching a point of no return, before more organ type sounds give the whole thing a very chilled vibe. We finish with the title track. Massed choral pads create a rather spiritual feel- the sort of thing that would close one of the more 'serious' Hollywood epics. Having played this album many times now I think it represents the pinnacle of the band's work so far. (DL)

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