Radio Massacre International
Upstairs Downstairs
The album opens with a heavily echoed vocal introduction which heralds the first track, recorded at the 1998 appearance at the October Gallery. Low drones and snappy, discordant piano creates a mysterious air before an oscillating sequence emerges. Mellotron flute adds detail, it's a superbly provocative opening which is delivered with minimal fuss.

Weird effects replace the faded oscillations. Low resonating pads flesh out the sound, as the discordant piano seeps back into view. After 10 minutes of build-up the sequences start to really flow, multilayered and complex they weave around the effects and mellotron touches. Searing synth motifs and scorching guitar, pitched perfectly into the mix, then vie for dominance. The tempo is then upped as a more forceful sequence grabs the attention. It lasts for an all too short period before more effects and textures grab the focus. The sound field becomes intense, building tension as the sound of distant explosions and wailing sirens fill the air. Another complex sequence then appears; at a guess this is the fade to the October '97 section but so beautifully merged are the two sections it really is hard to believe they are over 12 months apart. If you want to hear complex, multilayered rhythms of the very highest order here's your chance.

However, if anything, the sequencing gets even better as we progress to the Jodrell Bank and Nijmegen concerts of '97 and simply underlines that this is a superb collection of live sections brought together as a seamless delight. Sequencer fans especially will find this irresistible. (GG)

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