Herds Of Instinct

Possibly finding the lengthening gaps between Talk Talk albums too much to bear, Lee Harris and Paul Webb (ostensibly the group's rhythm section) have built their own studio and formed Orang. Coming over like a cross between David Sylvian and African Headcharge and similar to the hypnotic meanderings of their parent group, Herd Of Instinct was completed over a leisurely two-year period through the clever editing of improvised performances. Harris's loose drumming skills are augmented by all manner of ethnic percussion, while various brass and string instruments make appearances along with fleeting vocals and walls of guitar feedback. The highlights include the brooding atmosphere of Anaon The Oasis and the moment in Mind On Pleasure when they ably revive the mutant guitar/harmonica noise first heard on Spirit Of Eden, proving that this particular Other Two are a capable force under the Talk Talk umbrella. ****

Review by Tom Doyle