Themes for Guitar and Voice - Volume 1

Another release in this increasing sequence from Caustic Reverie. This time a distinct two tracker in the same vein as before but with some interesting sound variety throughout.

The album begins, like "Absent", with a 10+ minute drone. This time pacier and with a more urgent feel to it. It oozes quality but lacks the "cold beauty" of its predecessor. It is though, within the concept of this release, an ideal opener and leader into what is to follow. My only negative on this track is the ending. Quite what has happened to it I don't know but something has for certain.

The second track clocks in at over 50 minutes and continues in a similar vein to the first. I was concerned about "the voice" bit in the album title but this time it is under control and so enhances rather than detracts the overall feel of this track. This is actually the first of the releases from this composer I have burned to cd as it has enough sound power to come across within a more open environment than just headphones. The track itself flows and grows. It is a far more coherent and complete track than the longer "Absent" pieces.

So we come to the all important visuals. This time I can see them with no problem at all.
You are on board a ship, powerfully making its way across the ocean. A cold but fine, sunny day. All is well. On the horizon the first signs of a telltale mist appear, the sun starts to cloud over and the mist thickens into fog. Soon, by the end of track 1, you are enveloped in the fog which continues to thicken until visibility becomes nil. You are totally reliant on your instruments, radar and the like can keep you on course and physically safe but the fog begins to play tricks on your sight and in your mind you begin to see shapes you know cannot be there. You here voices, go on deck and are lead to the rail. The voices continue to call out and summon you to join them in the deep world of the ancient mariners…… (You can continue this yourself and fill in the blanks)…… until you and your ship reach your final dramatic destination.

I found this a far more accessible release than Absent, more likely to appeal to a casual listener. It may lack the Absent highs (beautiful opening drone) and lows (overstated voice) but maintains a high level of quality throughout. Is it better than Absent? That depends on what you want and when/how you listen. Both have their respective merits. The choice is down to you. All I know is it is a very fine release indeed. Well done Bryn.