The Glimmer Room Home Without the Journey CDR / 3 Tracks / 51.34 mins Play Sample:   56K Dialup   Broadband Download Sample:   500K   1.5Mb (Excerpt from track(s) 'Home Without the Journey') Please go to the Store to buy this item.

We begin with the title track. The sea breaks on a tranquil shore then a strange spooky sighing noise drifts from the speakers. A stunningly beautiful piano line hangs in the air then floats into the distance backed by exquisite lonesome pads. This is a quite fantastic way to start an amazing album. A little understated sequence moves things forward as does a gentle sympathetic rhythm. The pace quickens momentarily then is soothed again as the melody returns. Things are constantly changing but each new element or subtle shift in mood is handled so well. Things take a majestic turn at around the half way mark as subtle organ backs a more forceful sequence, lead line soaring into the ether. As before though the mood ebbs and flows as we move between successive sub plots, all intriguing and beautiful in their own right. By the eighteenth minute things have again descended to silence out of which a little tinkling loop can be heard over a sample of someone walking down a shingle path. The slightest but most exquisite melodic motif is left to just hang in the air then dissipate. Ethereal pads give an almost spiritual quality but also a feeling of loss. A slow purposeful rhythm takes us to the next stage. There is still a feeling of sadness but also playful innocence and acknowledgement that it is time to move on. 'Carbon Statues' begins with subtly used Gregorian type chants over soft pads and wind blown metallic percussion. A slow melody underpins sampled Hindu spoken words. Quite a mixture of influences but it all works so well. A tinkling, shimmering lead line becomes the main focus as a second slow melody pulls at the heartstrings. 'Cool Blue and the Plough' is initially quite different to what has gone before as it has a relatively cosmic opening. Things build rather subtly then we actually get a joyful and quite playful track. There is an organic feel to it all that is very easy on the year but at the same time uplifting, finishing things off on a positive note.

The last proper album by The Glimmer Room 'Grey Mirrors' was a masterpiece. Incredibly this album is even better. As I write this on the 10th December 2008 it is almost certain that it will be my favourite release of that year. The Glimmer Room should be huge both within and outside Electronic Music circles but as their output is hardly prolific and each release is almost apologetically sneaked out there isn't the great fanfare that should really accompany such amazing albums. Don't miss this one. (DL)

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