Spielerei Once Upon A Time Play: Lo-Fi   Mid-Fi   Hi-Fi   Download: Lo-Fi   Mid-Fi   Hi-Fi (Excerpt from track 'Mistaken Identity')

Rhythms and percussive effects then start to form, soon to be joined by a lovely thick bass loop, again the sound crying back to the past, mixing very well with the more contemporary syncopations. The rhythms ring the changes, new elements coming in whilst others depart. What a wonderful opener. 'Displaying Movements' begins with soft pads that gently swell then fade into the distance. A staccato rhythm develops, becoming more intense all the time whilst a bass loop provides an excellent foundation. This really is quite a chugger, not of Earthquake proportions but certainly with greater oomph than you would find on your typical modern ambient album. More slow tuneful pads float over the top giving a welcome soft edge to proceedings as we come to a close.

'Kissing Fish' is next. Well, yes, what can you say about a title like that?! Let's move on to the music. Quite deep drones cushion the senses as if they are trying to lull the listener into a deep sleep. At just before the five-minute mark the track changes in nature. The drone becomes even deeper and bass laden whilst various other tinkling cosmic effects are scattered here and there. More surprises are hidden away though waiting to be unleashed in the last few minutes, from delicate little rhythms to a gorgeous organ sound which keep the mood changing constantly. 'Incarnation' starts with exceedingly deep rumbles, like an explosion from far away that can just be felt / heard but keeps on going and going accompanied by the sound of spectres flying through a leaden sky. A slow rhythmic / melodic loop starts up in the third minute with the odd sample of spoken text low in the mix. The beat becomes more prominent and hypnotic as we go. I found my head slowly nodding to it and wanted to just listen and be taken along with it rather than type.

The title track bubbles along nicely right from the off as a rapid percussive loop rises through the mix. It's another hypnotic one sounding like being on the edge of a dream, little snatches of text just being heard here and there. This feeling continues through to the next track 'Mistaken Identity' and by the end I was completely chilled. 'Spielerei' is a name of a track here as well as the artist. It consists of a wonderful combination of sounds, one of the most effective being a processed organ, to which is added an excellent slow beat. Things then meander on beautifully, the sonic backing changing constantly. 'Central Heating' consists of faint shimmers, appropriately conjuring up pictures of a heat haze, warming me up nicely despite the cold autumn conditions outside. 'Symphysodon' is initially all rather haunting with spooky noises rising from the depths. In complete contrast we get some gossamer little tinkling melodies, the juxtapositioning of moods working very well. The atmosphere does gradually change however to one of soft float with just a hint of melody hanging in the air. In the seventh minute crystalline little note droplets are added making the piece seem even softer and blissed out. I thought this would take us to the end but no, the artist has one more offering for us as a gorgeous little melodic loop comes and goes providing a lovely way to finish.