This album was the runt of the litter, as it was not released as a proper album. It was recorded as an improvisation as part of the Signify sessions. This is the original release on double 10 inch vinyl, and only 1000 were pressed. The CD that was released much later contains an extra 2 pieces.
I would have loved for this period of PT to have gone on longer, as I really love the experimentation with groove and sounds. They manipulated and twisted sounds to make them unrecognizable from what they originally were, and fit them into pieces that are accessible and with grooves. Very trippy and psychedelic in places and is a perfect album to put on and just chill. It reminds me of the Ozrics as this was their mantra as well, just play and see where we go – although I’m sure there is more structure to proceedings here. Mesmer, in it’s 3 parts, is just fantastic, and held together by the bass and drums. The idea that they are just winging it gives substance at the beginning of track 3 – as the talking between the band has been left in and is the most experimental piece here.
You will either love this or hate it, there is no middle ground. If you are new to Steven’s catalogue, and only took an interest since Raven, I can’t see there being anything of interest here. Anyway, I love the quirkiness of the piece, and that they just went in to see what happens is amazing.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
