SHADOW WEAVER

This album, the follow up to the fabulous The Maria Dimension continues in the same vein as the previous album. Pulsing, swirling synthesizer sounds flow around the bizarre, yet compelling lyrics. As on the previous album, the sound brings to mind an updating of Syd Barrett era Pink Floyd, with a bit of early Brian Eno's deadpan delivery mixed in.

While not quite as ear catching as Maria, this album, even after numerous listenings, continues to offer a heaping helping of audio candy ton the discerning listener. I particularly like the interplay between the sax and guest violinist Patrick Q-Wright. True, there is no astounding virtuosity on the Pink Dots' albums, but there is plenty of aural pleasure.

"Shadow Weaver" is a worthy followup to their most popular album "The Maria Dimension" in fact I like this better. Just so many ideas all packed into an hour's worth of psychedelic music. I'm so glad I finally found a source for this band's music. This was years ago but when I did I probably picked up a dozen records from these guys. Edward Ka Spell is in fine form with the lyrics and the variety of keyboards he operates. Every song is interesting. Attention to detail. This five piece band gets some help from a guest adding viola. Syd Barrett came to mind often. The horns, atmosphere, viola, guitar and keyboards add so many flavours yet this recording is uniform. Not big on the album cover but it's the music that counts and this music makes me think.

I'm not big on the opener to be honest or even the next track "Guilty Man" although that tune is kind of freaky in a psychedelic way. He cries "Guilty!" quite a bit. "Ghosts Of Unborn Children" is sad and haunting especially after 3 1/2 minutes as we get the winds from hell. My favourite is "City Of Needles" opening with whispers before a heavy FLOYD-like rhythm kicks in with UNIVERS ZERO like piano expressions that come and go. Spoken words also come and go in this inventive piece. Beats after 2 1/2 minutes. So much going on.

"Stitching Time" is kind of cool with that atmosphere rising early before a rhythm with vocals takes over. Viola around 2 minutes. Water sounds and soaring guitar late. "Twilight Hour" is slow moving but interesting. Creepy vocals later on. Best title is "Laughing Guest" and I must admit I've been that guest. Maybe my least favourite song though. "Prague Spring" is surprisingly classical with viola, piano and a horn. Beautiful atmosphere to start "Leper Colony" but vocals, a beat and viola take over quickly. It soon becomes haunting as we get this death march. Suspense later on.

Psychedelic music at it's best right here.