Reviewed by Rupert Loydell

Like the earlier 'Edging Towards Saturn', this draws on older synthesizer groups, as well as minimalist classical writers such as John Adams and Philip Glass, as well as being influenced by '60s Bay Area groups and their space-rock trips. It was put together by the Berkeley-based experimental Christian group New Music Consort with principle musician David Fetcho. 'Phos' was performed down in LA at Biola University and its composer showed me some of the video recording of the event. Huge backdrop projections of then current recent events (such as the fire which decimated several square miles of housing, as well as acres of forest) flickered behind innovative modern dance choreographed by Susan English Fetcho, among giant sculptures by Los Angeles installation artist Roger Feldman (whose work was recently seen at Greenbelt 1993). The music here draws on freer forms - synthesized brass arrives and departs throughout, there are clear themes which occur and reoccur, as well as more industrial sections (one is almost techno and features broken glass pounding a beat against muttering distant voices - very eery). This sub-techno section is preceded by a most bizarre deconstructed version of the Sunday school hymn "This Little Light Of Mine, I'm Gonna Let It Shine", sung atonally against jagged sections and inversions of the tune. The piece ends with a beautiful near-melodic piece of synthesized voice and horn against a clicking rhythm, whilst in the background jazz piano walks around the stereo field. 'Phos' is light years ahead of 'Edging. . .' in its accomplishment.

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