SPOKE OF SHADOWS

It was Raff and Sagi's appreciation of this album that moved me to pick this up. SPOKE OF SHADOWS is the American duo of multi-instrumentalist Mark Cook(HERD OF INSTINCT) and session drummer Bill Bachman, although they are joined by eight guests in this all- instrumental album. Mark's main focus appears to be the Warr guitar which is very prominant on this album. They are on DJAM KARET's "Firepool Records" label, in fact Gayle Ellett from that amazing band adds mellotron to this record along with Fender Rhodes on the song "Splendid Sisters". Bands that SPOKE OF SHADOWS reminded me of were AZIOLA CRY(love those guys), GORDIAN KNOT and anything Trey Gunn is involved with.

"Dominion" has a heavy almost sinister flavour to it to start then it settles right down with an intricate Warr guitar solo before the drums and bass join in. This is so good. Those contrasts will continue. It's even heavier after 2 minutes and check out the angular guitar after 4 minutes. Some killer drum work to end it. Great track! "Images" has some excellent atmosphere to it with those background synths as the drums, guitar and bass play in this fairly relaxed tune. It does turn more passionate at times. Flute after 2 1/2 minutes to the end. "One Day" is a short moving piece with plenty of piano along with bass and intricate drum work standing out. "Harbinger" contrasts the heavy and punchy passages with different laid back sections. Some impressive guitar in this one.

"Lost One" is a top four track for me. Love the sound just before a minute. It turns intricate and mellow with flute before the guitar returns making some beautiful noise. Lots of flute late. "Pain Map" is another top four song. This is the longest one at 7 1/2 minutes. Such a cool sound with the upfront bass and the background synths with intricate sounds coming and going. The guitar comes to the fore but it's a relaxed sound until after 1 1/2 minutes when it ll turns heavier. We get a surprising psychedelic vibe a minute later then themes are repeated. Some killer guitar 3 1/2 minutes in and check out the drum work before 5 minutes. A pastoral and innovative section arrives before 6 minutes to the end.

"Persona" is a gorgeous piece as sounds beat, ping and pulse while the guitar soars. Some nice flute here as well. "Splendid Sisters" is laid back with flute, bass and mellotron to start. It does pick up slightly with Warr guitar helping out. Another feel- good tune. "Tilting On Windmills" has a heavy guitar intro before it settles right down with flute and intricate sounds. These contrasts will continue. They kick some butt on this one at times. A beautiful section arrives before 5 minutes to the end. "Accord" has lots of atmosphere and depth in this relaxed number. The guitar is gorgeous late. "Dichotomy" is my favourite track on here. We get a nice heavy sound a minute in and check out the drum work. Love the mellotron and then the guitar after 2 minutes. "Drama Of Display" is the final top four for me. Again the drumming is so impressive along with the interplay between the drums and the Warr guitar. Such a cool sound after 2 1/2 minutes.

A solid 4 star album that I hope gets a lot more attention from Prog fans in the future.