Reviewed by Tony Cummings

A haunting quality, unique in my experience, permeates the Cambridge duo's work and if anything this new album takes us further and deeper into their ethereal soundscapes with their world music colourings and impressive use of state-on-the-art recording. Much has been made in past issues of Susie Beattie's wistful, feathery vocals which glide so effortlessly across billowing, ricocheting accompaniments. But let's also give plaudits to composer and studio whiz Daniel Goodman who as well as programming offers such exotic instrumental delights as a Sengalese djembe, a copper darbuku, an Indonesian tall drum, an Egyptian tambourine and Nepalese singing bowls. If all this sounds too enthnic studies esoteric for you, fear not, the rhythmic colourings are subtle and never intrude. My favourite tracks at the moment are the beautiful opener "Century" with its memorable verse ("Sorrow clings to darkness in the night/In the morning, in the morning comes the light/And I know I'll turn to you/And see your face"). I also find myself swooning over "This River" with an intro that sounds a bit like a Gregorian chant, before in comes Susie's whispered vocal, a deep, deep bass and a haunting hook "I call your name. and you hear me." "Only Light" is a duet between Susie and Daniel and has a delicious Indian rhythm while the instrumental title track has a truly delicious percussion break. I'm not so sure about the dance remix of "Set On The Stars" but that's a track 13 bonus and by then we're home and dry with these masters of contemplative mood having delivered another 10 square album. Another gem from this innovative duo.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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