Andy Pickford & Paul Nagle (Binar)
The Truth Sets Us Free
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(Excerpt from track 'The Last Paige')
CDR / 6 tracks / 63.58 mins

Ever since their gig at the National Space Centre in April 2004 people have been screaming for its release. Here we have it at last; well almost, as this CD consists of the first half of the concert plus a studio track.

Everything here is new material. The second half of the concert is planned for release in 2005. We kick off with Part 1 of the title track. Slightly manic vocal samples rise out of warm swirling pads. These soon depart and we remain in a beautiful state of drift for a couple of minutes until an infectious foot-tapping beat starts up. Massed strings are added low in the mix. It's a track that has everything, serenity, melancholy but also a slightly ominous edge. Add to this lovely melodies and superb rhythms and you really couldn't ask for more- stunning. 'Circles in The Sky' commences with a nice bouncing sequence to which a cool groove is added. A thick squelchy, analogue mid to late seventies lead line then strikes up reminding me of Tim Blake's 'Crystal Machine' album. I found myself cranking up the volume more and more as hands were drumming on the table and my whole body moving. Things become more wonderfully intense as we go.

We move on to 'Dub Wiser' (Ho, Ho). Again, rhythmically it's spot on, driving forward slowly but forcibly. A lovely delicate piano melody contrasts it beautifully. We finish with more samples then delve into the swirling sonic mist of 'Westernesse'. From the haze an organ lead line makes proceedings sound slightly sinister with a dark gothic edge. A rhythm starts up again and the mood lightens somewhat as we chug along nicely. 'The Last Paige', like its predecessor, had a rather swirly abstract beginning. Through this a ticking loop develops then loping rhythm and sparingly used vocal samples emerge. The pulsations become more intense and lovely melodic ethereal pads flow right through the middle of the mix. Things become more triumphant and intense as we progress. We finish the live material with 'Quirk of Nature'. A slow pulse can be heard over which a rhythmic loop forms. We then get some simply wonderful virtual electric guitar that got me playing my imaginary version like a crazy thing. The rhythms gain added oomph and more stunning lead lines are added- wonderful, wonderful stuff.

There are only six tracks mentioned in the artwork but don't turn off the player at this point as there is a seventh untitled (as far as I know) surprise studio track tagged on to the end. Gentle piano doodlings float over fizzing pads and effects. A slow rhythm nestles low in the mix but you just know it is going to surge forward at any moment and indeed it does so in the second minute. My head was again nodding and feet moving to the stupendous groove. We then get some of the best lead lines on the album so far and I'm in heaven! They get even better with the introduction of more blistering virtual guitar. I defy anyone (even those not into Electronic Music) not to like this one - it's simply awesome! They just get better and better. (DL)

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