Reviews - “Mantle”

“Mantle” review by Morpheus music

STYLE 

there are uneasy pieces where layered low frequency drones roll with portentous purpose.

The mid section of the CD grows increasingly cold and isolationist - reverberating, muted

rattles and sonic turbulence stirring among beds of undulating darkness. Toward the end,

the music lightens somewhat - something of a sense of wonder coming to the fore,

replacing the discomfort of the previous material. The deepest journeyings now behind,

the air freshens and the final sound space echoes with an expansive airiness - low metallic

clangs and chimings, water like streams, hints of didgeridoo - and then everything is

fading, evaporating like a dream on waking.

ARTWORK 

The artwork throughout this package is all formed around Brian's own photography -

colourful folds and twists of rock from the Utah slot caverns. Orange light bathes the

etched surfaces throwing textures into sharp relief. The imagery has been overlaid in

places so that the shots appear almost abstract - combed paint, rivers of light. On the rear

of the jewelcase is a track list with times for each and an overall total. Inside the darkness

of a cave acts as backdrop to a page of credits, background details and website

information. Sam Rosenthal is mentioned here for his work on the design of the package.

OVERALL 

Brian Parnham releases his fourth work via steveroach.com - indeed this album was

commissioned by Steve and includes atmospheres, drones and harmonic waves from the

master on as number of tracks as well as benefiting from production and mastering at The

Timeroom. Mantle is comprised of twelve tracks, each in the region of five to seven

minutes long - that said, the tracks bleed one into another so that the changes from one

piece to another are only recognised by a subtle shift of mood. A medley from the album

can be heard both at Brian's own website brianparnham.com or at Stevroach.com.

--------------------

Return to Reviews Menu