Syndromeda The Twilight Conjunction Play:    Mid-Fi   Hi-Fi (Excerpt from track 'Inside The Lophophora')

CD / 5 tracks / 68.16 mins

‘Inside the Lophophors’ gets straight into the sequences, bounding along nicely as a playful melody fences with slow menacing pads. A signature Syndromeda scything lead then flashes from the speakers, This is really wonderful hard hitting stuff that I am sure would be fantastic live. Things do calm down from time to time but there is so much movement as each element increases and decreases in ferocity that we are always kept on our toes. Distorted effects, like strange alien crows, give a peaceful but also rather spooky first half to ‘No, not scared of You’. A slow but purposeful sequence adds menace while moody mellotron provides a little softness before yet more sequences and another laser sharp lead enter one after another. Things hurtle along at a quite blistering and exciting pace. ‘The Vulture’ features massed strings, sounding like something from a biblical epic. Electronic stabs and whooshes change the mood, a slow tinkling sequence following hard on their heals. Another sequence and flashing lead line combination pick up the pace. It’s quite a hypnotic track. ‘Looking at You’ has a rather peaceful intro featuring wordless vocal pads and stabs. Out of this an optimistic sequence emerges accompanied by a chugging rhythm then lovely plucked string melody. Different leads are introduced as we go but overall the track has a thoughtful and reflective but also positive feel. ‘First Dream’ is rather angelic and tender with a spiritual quality. For almost half the track there are no sequences or rhythms but instead a lovely heartfelt lead is left to do its thing over the exquisite backing. In the second half a slow sequence and little melodic ornament take over but without spoiling the mood. An intense lead line does eventually enter but it is uplifting and euphoric rather than bludgeoning. Absolutely brilliant. A stunningly beautiful track and my favourite on the album. DL

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