ZOETROPE (OST)

I almost had to check I'd stuck the correct disc in at the beginning of 'Zoetrope' as it sounds startlingly similar to the really spooky 'Jupiter and Beyond' sequence in 2001: A Space Odyssey. That part where all the discordant operatic vocals wail and whine.

This Lustmord recording has all the usual dark, cavernous, hugely reverberated sound that his preceding albums contain. The production qualities on this one are superior, and the musical content has become more fluid and varied with a lot of violent sudden stabbing effects.

I'm surprised no movie producers have approached Brian Williams, as his recordings would make great horror soundtracks. Although apparently he had some input in 'The Crow' from 1994.

Some parts are quite dramatic with what sound like steel man-hole covers spinning like coins before wobbling to a thunderous clang. Dramatic hammering and electronic whooshing becomes more prevalent after the half way point . I'm sure I can hear evidence of the 'EMS Synthi AKS' software package at play.

Lots of whispering goblins and gargoyles are guaranteed to send a shiver up your spine in 'Amalgamated man' The tracks with sampled vocals are very effective indeed adding a real intensity that the instrumental tracks seem to lack. The sound of bones being sawed and screeching metallic wires only add to my sadistic enjoyment.

Strangely the poorest track is the one where there's a semblance of tune - 'End Titles' has some already horribly dated keyboard violin strings and a boring straight beat.

There won't be a large catchment area for 'Zoetrope'. It's a grim, dark and unhappy album. Just the kind of stuff I like... There are far creepier albums available but this is a pretty solid effort from the Welshman.

Now if you'll excuse me I have to go and change my nappy.