INCANTATIONS

This is nothing short of a masterpiece, and probably the most accomplished and ambitious album from Mike Oldfield since Tubular Bells. Each piece is lyrical and melodic, with complex poly-rhythms and intricate melodies, spun by sequencers and orchestrated by electronic keyboards. Oldfield is taking all the time he needs to develop each idea, with each piece stretching to nearly 20 minutes - yet each composition is tight with not a minute too much. Oldfield's surrealistic guitar weaves in and out of the mix. Sally oldfield does some remarkable singing in the last part. It's not only technically brilliant, it's also a memorable and atmosferic work - it makes you think of the ocean, the sky, the moon, the sand and the stars.