Description
On the 26th June 2004 AirSculpture, Grant Middleton (from Under the Dome) and Paul Nagle descended on the National Space Centre in Leicester, England for a combined concert. They had rehearsed for two days to get tuned into playing together as a single unit but even so what you have here is all new music, selected highlights from the concert itself, running together as one seamless track split into eight parts. None of it is covered on either of the two albums taken from the rehearsals (‘On Another Planet Vols 1 and 2’). Initially we float on soft stellar pads. It’s all rather beautiful, relaxing and increasingly melodic. Sequences and more prominent lead lines come in with the beginning of Part Two. Mellotron pads add to proceedings. As we progress the sequences and melodies just get better and better- then in the third minute the intensity is increased still further with the introduction of a rhythm, complimenting all the other pulsations perfectly. By the fifth minute the addition of some excellent soloing takes us to new heights. Some leads are low and growling whilst others spit from the speakers like tongues of fire. By the eighth minute the pace has slowed and now things become very moody. Sequences return as we move to Part Three but proceedings are still tinged with a sort of snarling attitude. As the sequence morphs and lead lines enter the atmosphere lightens. We transcend to Part Four and things erupt once more as massed sequences make an entrance, some of them of the heavy bass laden variety, others like careering roller coasters with awesome lead lines completing the exciting picture superbly. The storm briefly moves on and we gently float for about a minute before rapid sequences return once more for Part Five. The way all the notes bounce around a playful lead is exquisitely done. My head was nodding and hands beating the table in time to the music. Again things become increasingly intense and exciting as we progress, returning to moody realms with a couple of minutes to go. Part Six continues this feeling forward but right from the beginning you can sense something stirring low in the mix. Very gradually the ‘something’ materialises as a rumbling bass sequence, lush pads supporting it low in the mix. Another splashing sequence moves into formation. Laser flashes scorch from the speakers then more leads come in creating the most ball breaking moment on an album which has already had so many thunderous highs- truly awesome stuff! This section finishes and we cross fade to the equally wonderful Part Seven. We now have a very different feel however. If anything the sequences are even faster but they have a much more positive feel, bouncing from the speakers full of real joy. The Final Part is even more energetic as a superb shuffling rhythm gets into an infectious groove- a real body mover full of excitement and positive energy. The guys kick up quite a storm- ending in an explosion! What an excellent way to finish the best album in the three album Cosmic Smokers series. (DL) ;\ ‘\’
