Earthshaper by Paul Nagle - Reviewed by Grant Middleton
Overall, this album is more consistent and better-produced than
Skyrider. In addition, there are many guest musicians in the works,
which may have had some influence on the excellent final sound.
1. Bloodstone
Main melody reminds me a little of Ultravox's "Prayer" (is that
the name of the track ?). Very dramatic use of choirs and
tubular bells.
2. Herne's Tale
Dramatic strings and brass opening. The perfect 'Tangram' brass
sound. Poland-esque sequencers and melodies.
3. Going Grey
An epic track, in feel and length. Tribal rhythms against a
cinematic backdrop. The violin (by guest musician Steve Barnes)
is beautiful. Somehow, this captures the Hyperborea mood again.
Schmoelling lead Moog sounds counterpoint the violin later to
reinforce the effect. Big squelchy analogue bass sequencers.
Ends on a very positive melody, which I'm afraid to report
bears a striking resemblence to Barbra Steisand's "Evergreen"
("Love, soft as an easy chair"). Or maybe it was deliberate -
Going Grey, and all that.
4. Retribution
The X-Files (almost) opens this piece. BIG choirs and minor
keys. Reminiscent of "Rising Runner" from Cyclone, especially
the weird distorted vocals by John Hickey.
5. Black Flowers
Jeepers ! More moody minor keys. Scary church organ. Dawn Nagle
provides some tortured vocal effects in the background. Decidedly
unsettling. Somehow, I don't think the deceased is on the road
to Heaven.
6. Memory of a Day
Must have been a very happy day, Paul. This track speaks about
summer and sunshine, trickling brooks and sparkling waterfalls
(That's enough romantic imagery - ed). I love this track. Very
positive and dreamy. Almost like Discreet Music in its
'vagueness' (for want of a better term). Think of Pachelbel's
Cannon in D mixed with Satie's Gymnopodie II.
7. Earthshaper
Didgeridoo, djembe (by Tony Bateman) and guitar (Dave Robinson)
lend an organic feel to this track. Forest ambience gives way
to the sounds of bulldozers and chainsaws (expertly conceived
and executed collage, Paul) as the more electronic sound of Mr
Nagle's arsenal takes over the music. Bird calls have been
replaced by the chirps of digital data transmission by the end
of the track. A disturbing comment for the final moments of the
'Elements' series.
One final note - the cover photography is great - I especially like
the empty cider bottle poking out from behind the fern.
(
geocities.com/sunsetstrip/lounge) (
geocities.com/sunsetstrip)