The reviews section of the Magic
Cat has always open ears for any new sounds that might emerge from the
human consciousness
Send any CDs Records or Tapes to:
THE MAGIC CAT
97 MAFEKING ROAD
SOUTHSEA
PO4 9BG
ENGLAND
Mandragora
Pollen CD - Delerium
Delec070
The
first Mandragora CD in a while and the first to be recorded at
their newly finished studio in Brighton. The core of current Mandragora
members (Simon Williams, Al Jenkins, Simon Cowburn and Phil Thornton)
are joined on this CD by drummer Mick Reed (formally of Ship Of Fools,
now of Kava Kava) and a whole host of guest artists, including
Arthur Brown (vocal on "Rewind everything's OK") and Howard
Marks (sampled vocal on "Rewind..."). This is Mandragora mutated
for the nineties, still on an ethnic/world/hippy vibe, with hints of dance
culture that we are all becoming susceptible to thanks to our indoctrination
at many of the summer's festivals. The highlight for me is the spirited
gypsy violin of Ben Paley, particularly on "Abuzeluf". I am not so certain
of the worth of the jazz-rock that is "Jazz Message", but as Al will tell
you, I never did like Weather Report or their ilk (and he did try
to convince me). Another fine effort that should see them well for the
new millennium.
The
Tribe Of Cro Hydroculture CD - UF
CRO records UFCRO 777
The
latest CD from ex Dr Brown members Marcel and Mik, who together
with Niall, Phil, Ade and Kev make up The Tribe Of Cro. This CD
covers similar ground to the previous ones, improvised Hawkwind
type space jamming. The main factor in making this a superior release
to their previous efforts is the improvement in recording and production.
This is no doubt a result in them having (I believe) their own studio
in their base in Belgium. Highly successful on the European circuit, this
CD, on their own UF Cro Label, will be available at their gigs.
Cool computer graphics complete the package well.
Further information: Andre
Von Bosbeke, PB 22, 1730, Asse, Belgium.
Kev
Unlimbo
Pranha Fish Polygraph CD - POLY
3
Unlimbo
are a seven piece psychedelic band from Dunstable, Bedfordshire, UK. Very
fine artwork and production herald this, their first CD, on their own
Polygraph label. The addition of Gundula Grun on violin
has added an extra dimension to the band giving eastern esoteric overtones
to the solid psychedelic base.
Nahton opens the CD, a solid psychedelic
rock song with strong Oz**c's influences. Next Flinch takes us to the
Middle East, sat around a Bedouin camp fire as the sound of gypsy violin
permeates the air. Nice, nice. Bagdub carries us (via a cool Tim Blake-esq
keyboard intro.) into Ullulator land. Festi-dub for the X-generation.
Prahna Fish starts all weird and wild and Ooroonyish and
ends with a flourish of positive vibration space rock. Spellbound peers
through the tantric obstacle and leaves you as the title suggests. It
is into the streets of Baghdad with Acoutrek with a flying carpet ride
of sounds. The CD closes with Inertia which starts with Apollo samples
and ends with more strong psychedelic sounds and eastern patterns.Sure
to be a collectors item in years to come, the CD is a must for all fans
of 80's free-festival music.
Also available from the band is
an excellent live tape (also brilliantly recorded) "Nine Lives". Much
credit to David Hands and chums for this fine release made all the more
impressive by the fact of it's complete self financed-home produced nature.
To stop the obvious Oz**c's comparison's, I for one would love to hear
the band deviate from their solely instrumental state and have some vocals
on a track. You never know, perhaps they'll end up jamming with someone
at one of this years festivals (is this a little too obvious David?).
Contact: Unlimbo, 112 Graham
Road, Dunstable, Beds., LU5 4EH
Kev
Spiralhead
Magic Eye Records 12" - EYE
T30
Recorded in a converted toilet
somewhere in Brighton, this is the second single for Mr Spiral and Dik
Silver who are Spiralhead. Also a live act, Spiralhead have
performed with Eat Static and The Final Frontier. This 12"
only limited edition release consists of two tracks, 'Space Time' and
'Beyond The Blue'. Both tracks are similar in nature; a mix of ambient
and trance dance sounds. Although this blend may not be hardcore enough
for some, while not being ambient enough for others, it is sure to go
down a treat at chill-out rooms everywhere.
Further information: Magic
Eye Records, PO Box 3037, Wokingham, Berks, RG40 4GR
Kev
Children
Of Dub ESP Magic Eye Records CD - MEY
CD19
Buy this CD and let Children
Of Dub send you into a rare and alien landscape. Dub bass lines from
the heart of Africa play out against keyboard enhanced dance patterns
straight from an illegal rave somewhere in the south of England. Whether
we are fallen angels swimming in a sea of darkness, only time will tell.
Apparently the band are to play the Seven Revels festival (with
a certain Dr Brown) so it will be good to see these excellent sounds
live and in a field.
Thoroughly recommended, CD of the
month!
Further information: Magic
Eye Records, PO Box 3037, Wokingham, Berks, RG40 4GR
Kev
Revolutionary
Dub Warriors State Of Evolution CD - ON-U
CD83
Released in 1996, and sent to
The Magic Cat to review in preparation for the 'Music In The
Square' gig with Dr Brown on May 24th. This is apparently set
to be the bands only release on ON-U, a new CD on a new label to
be released by the end of the year.
What you get here is politico-environmental
reggae, in the 'Warriors own unique stylee, but with the addition of the
inimitable ON-U production. Songs such as 'Direct Action' and 'War
Zone' lyrically sum up the 'Warriors heritage as a major part of the free
festival scene of the late eighty's. They dub it up big time on 'Rough
Dub'. Very fine! More please! This CD only wets my appatite for the forth
coming gig, where the music will surely come alive.
Contact: Alex, Bastard Management,
22 Charmouth House, Dorset Road, London W8 1EU
Kev
Moondragon
Synthaesia Tape - VROE
10
Cornish folk/psych band Moondragon
have been around for 10 years. Over this time they have released six tapes.
This, their sixth, shows a progression away from folk roots towards a
more traditional free festival space-rock sound (particularly worthy of
mention are the tracks 'The Wake' and 'The Trip'). The band have not left
all their folkiness to their folk off-shoot Lordryk however. The
flute laden 'Fushwaen' is my particular fave on this tape. Recommended
to all lovers of old festival sounds. Incidentally, The Magic Cat
editors caught Moondragon live in Cornwall last summer and it was
one of the best gigs of the year.
Contact: VROE Farm, Predannack,
Mullion, Helston, Cornwall TR12 7EY
Kev
Magic
Moments At Twilight Time Creavolution CD - MMATT
CD1
Another fiercely independent
release. Apparently this CD almost didn't happen. The first pressing Mick
Magic received of this debut CD were all faulty, and only after court
proceedings against the manufacturer did the 'Creavolution' emerge.
For those who do not know, Mick
is also responsible for 'Music and Elsewhere' which as well as putting
out tapes (at cost) of 100 or so of the most interesting underground bands
(Sons Of Selina, Kava Kava and Dr Brown included!)
also produce a contact list of all the fanzines / underground bands you
could ever think of.
The music on the CD is eclectic
in styles as only such independent releases could allow. Hawkwindy lyrics
and keyboards mix with drum machine sounds and rhythms that hark back
to a 70s/80s pop feel. This is topped with a combination of Gilli Smyth
sounding female vocals and the occasional male bassy Goth vocal.
Definitely worth contacting.
Contact: Mick Magic, 6 Farm
Court, Frimley, Camberley, Surrey GU16 5TJ
Kev
Terminal
Blues Want Some CD
The first release by Portsmouth
based blues band Terminal Blues featuring Dr Browns very
own Rick Anderton on drums. The CD is a fair representation of the bands
live sound which is a mix of early seventies sounding blues with a hint
of jazz. Worthy of special note is vocalist Paul Garnham who reminds me
of Lonesome Dave during his Savoy Brown period. Ian Hamilton plays
a mean harp reminisant of Tim Elliot from Blues n Trouble and gets
that trad distorted harp sound just right. It goes without saying that
Rick plays a blinder (he was in Dr Brown). A cool computer generated
cover packages the CD nicely. My favourite moments are the more blues inspired
ones and favourite track is "solo". This CD is available from our merchandise
page.
Kev
The
Tribe Of Cro Sporadic Spiro-Gyra CD - EBSCD
125
This is the first CD released
by TOC, a band which features a couple of ex-Dr Brown members
and a 14 year old drum prodigy Kevin Von Bosbeke. The music (psychedelic
/ improvised / instrumental) reminds me of the Hawkwind Text Of
Festival improvised LP, only recorded well on present day equipment. Top
line! The CD really shines when Mik Stangers guitar floats through the
mix. Also worthy of note is Marcel's ever brilliant art-work which adorns
the CD. The band are apparently doing well in Europe at the moment, so
remember where you read about them first.
Further information: Andre
Von Bosbeke, PB 22, 1730, Asse, Belgium.
Kev
Timeshard
Hunab Ku CD - Planet
Dog Bark CD018
We first encountered Timeshard
back in 1992, when we did a gig with them in Liverpool. It was the first
time I had ever heard this sort of Hippy/techno crossover and I was completely
blown away by it. Now, five years on the band have added many new strings
to their bow with this, their second Planet Dog release. The blend
now includes elements of ambience, trance and Drum And Bass, but still
maintains a feel which makes it uniquely Timeshard (including a
real guitar). They still play many live gigs, I went to one in Southampton
last year and was probably my favourite gig of 1996. ESSENTIAL.
Further information: Timeshard,
PO box 26, Liverpool, L17 3LE.
Kev
Suns
Of Arqa Shabda CD - Arqa
2109CD
I know this CD has been out a
couple of years and some of you may be well aware of it, but as its my
favourite CD at the moment I thought I'd review it. SOA are certainly
a band that plough their own furrow. Mix Indian folk with English folk.
Add a touch of Hippy House. Stir in a chunk of Pagan Sun worship. The
resultant brew is perfect Psychedelia. If you don't know of this band
buy this CD tomorrow (because it never knows).
Further information: Suns
of Arqa, 23 Whitechapel Street, Manchester, M20 6UB
Kev
Heliotrope
Global Harmonics Tape
Because of the fact that Heliotrope
haven't got their act together to send us a tape yet, I had to steal their
bass players copy to review (sorry Al!). Still they managed to put our
web address on the cover! This is Heliotrope in more trad reggae territory
than ever before. The Black Rudd's true Jamaican vocal gives authenticity,
keys from The Purple Cheeselord and Mowgli's female vocal give the tape
the distinct feel of one of the early Back To The Planet releases.
The rhythm section of Al and Wilf are as good as ever and Wilf's new syndrum
toy thing certainly adds cool sounds. Ideal with your Sunday joint.
Kev
Alan
Davey Captured Rotation CD - Emergency
Broadcast System EBSSCD 122
After
twelve years at the controls of the bass ritual, the second longest serving
Hawkwind member after Dave Brock, Alan Davey releases his first
solo CD.
Alan performs all instruments
on the CD with some aplomb and the result is a mix of current Hawkwind
sounds (not altogether surprising as Davey has co-written much Hawkwind
material recently) and more acoustic mellow songs. This more ambient
side reminds me of things like 'The Watcher' from the Lemmy period.
A treat for fans.
Kev
Hawkwind
- Future Reconstructions The Ritual Of Solstice CD - Emergency
Broadcast System EBSSCD 117
Ten classic Hawkwind songs
given a total remixing by the likes of Salt Tank, Astralasia
and Zion Train!! A truly wonderful CD, in my opinion the best Hawkwind
release for some time. It is only listening to these tracks in this contemporary
surrounding that I remember how truly awsome these early Hawkwind
recordings were. Calvert's vocal from Sonic Attack (two remix's on offer
here. My fave is The Advent) is truly scary, and Dave Brocks guitar
sound on Needle Gun (Remix by sensor) is something that the average grunge
band can only dream of. Best track for me is the Uncle Sam remix by Astralasia.
Highly recommended.
Kev
Kava
Kava Supalube CD - Delerium
DELEC 060
So Pat 'Cleo Lane' Fulgoni and
the boys serve up their third CD. As with all truly progressive psych
outfits, they move effortlessly on to new and exciting ideas. The CD starts
with the funked up 'Freedom' single, and a reworking of 'Feek', with the
new(ish) brass section adding extra weight to the proceedings. DJ Bliss
who has been a member of the band for some time, has now crept up a little
in the mix, to great effect, especially on 'Trepanner', a monster of a
song which starts out all trance and ends up a little like Kong
and Mr Bungle having a fight. Top banana (and not dissimilar to
a few moments of the last Dr Brown gig). Top idea of the CD is
'Mr Benson', where the band pathetically try to blag free ciggys (try
calling a song 'Jack Daniels' lads - its altogether more satisfying).
Worst idea is not including band photos on the CD cover - surely the naked
twister photos would have been good?
Recommended.
Contact Delerium Records, PO Box
1288, Gerrards Cross, Bucks, SL9 9YB, England.
Kev
Vex
Frontiers And New Technologies CD - Delerium
DELEC 058
First CD from Portsmouth based
band, formally known as Velcro (but then forced to change their
name by the zip-fastner company of the same name). The CD is a mix in
style of late 70's New Wave (early Echo and the Bunnymen and U2
come to mind) and early seventies prog. (King Crimson and Gong?)
with the more instrumental numbers (Jim watches Over Us being my favourite)
sounding more proggy and the songs featuring vocalist Dean Clarke being
more new wave in origin. The musicianship and recording (from Portsmouth's
Crystal Rooms) throughout is excellent. A strange choice of cover and
title give the CD the look of an experimental dance album (which it is
certainly not), but definitely recommended for lovers of seventies
inspired rock.
Contact Delerium Records, PO Box
1288, Gerrards Cross, Bucks., SL9 9YB, UK.
Web site http://www.delerium.co.uk
Kev
Gong
Youremixed CD - Gliss
001
Have you not got this CD yet
oh loyal readers? WHY NOT? As essential a part of a CD collection as the
Gong trilogy has been for so long. Listen to the remixes (by The
Orb, The Shaman, Youth, Astralasia, System
7 and a whole host of others) and you can tell that those involved
love the original and took great pleasure in the remixing. What they have
succeeded in doing is updating a classic innovative 70's LP and making
a classic innovative 90's CD. All the right bits have been kept, listen
and remember how good Steve Hillage's guitar and Daevid Allen's
Gliss playing actually are. There really isn't a bad moment on these two
CD's but my particular high point is Mad Stoff's Master-builder
remix. There will be some (you know who you are) that regard this CD as
sacrilege. Perhaps this is the same Luddite stupidity that criticised
Muddy Waters or Bob Dylan for first picking up an electric
guitar? Particularly cool that Steve (System 7) Hillage has remixed
one of his own tracks. According to the sleeve notes, this is the first
of many remix CD's. I can hardly wait. Certainly the must buy CD of 1997!
Contact : Gliss Records, PO Box
871, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 9FE, UK
Web site http//www.sonnet.co.uk/gong-gas/
Kev
Under
The Honeytunnel Electromagnetic 12" - Magick
Eye
The latest release from Magick
Eye features Lou Palmer (from indy band Honneytunnel) in remix
mood with UVX and Spiralhead. Side A has a trip-hop feel
and Side AA much more ambient Drum and Bass. Nice, nice.
Contact: Magick Eye Records PO
Box 3037, Wokingham, Bucks.
Web site http://www.magickeye.com
The
first Mandragora CD in a while and the first to be recorded at
their newly finished studio in Brighton. The core of current Mandragora
members (Simon Williams, Al Jenkins, Simon Cowburn and Phil Thornton)
are joined on this CD by drummer Mick Reed (formally of Ship Of Fools,
now of Kava Kava) and a whole host of guest artists, including
Arthur Brown (vocal on "Rewind everything's OK") and Howard
Marks (sampled vocal on "Rewind..."). This is Mandragora mutated
for the nineties, still on an ethnic/world/hippy vibe, with hints of dance
culture that we are all becoming susceptible to thanks to our indoctrination
at many of the summer's festivals. The highlight for me is the spirited
gypsy violin of Ben Paley, particularly on "Abuzeluf". I am not so certain
of the worth of the jazz-rock that is "Jazz Message", but as Al will tell
you, I never did like Weather Report or their ilk (and he did try
to convince me). Another fine effort that should see them well for the
new millennium.
The
latest CD from ex Dr Brown members Marcel and Mik, who together
with Niall, Phil, Ade and Kev make up The Tribe Of Cro. This CD
covers similar ground to the previous ones, improvised Hawkwind
type space jamming. The main factor in making this a superior release
to their previous efforts is the improvement in recording and production.
This is no doubt a result in them having (I believe) their own studio
in their base in Belgium. Highly successful on the European circuit, this
CD, on their own UF Cro Label, will be available at their gigs.
Cool computer graphics complete the package well.
After
twelve years at the controls of the bass ritual, the second longest serving
Hawkwind member after Dave Brock, Alan Davey releases his first
solo CD.