OF TIDE & TRAIL

Of musical polyglot DAN ARBORISE's two albums, this second offering would be of greater significance to prog rock fans, as it is here that he succeeds in wedging his ambient ambitions amidst astute acoustically oriented contemporary folk. Even the more conventional singer songwriter oriented pieces state their business more succinctly, which contrast meaningfully with extended atmospheric jams on guitars treated and otherwise. A case in point is the candid assertiveness of "I Live" followed by the epic "Cries", with its thesis that the wailing of a babe is not much different from that of even a reasonable adult. The deceptively jaunty beginning to "Under Your Spell" eventually yields to ethereal, almost meditative currents as the background effects slowly mount, all propelled by Arborise's velvety vocals. "Days Even Years" is a simpler but no less rewarding folk song with an effect similar to CAT STEVENS' early unadorned work, a la "Mona Bone Jakon" but with more soothing vocals. The closing behemoth plunges with utmost selflessness into the primordial FRIPP-ENO universe and only ushers in lyrics at its endpoint to remind listeners about the agenda that by all rights they may have forgotten. The best material here glistens with hard won lessons, even if they may recede as rhythmically as the tide or the trail of a middle aged hairline. This sophomore effort is worth your reflection, and is pretty adept at inciting it.