THE MILL GRINDER

The somewhat anonymous composer who calls himself "The Psychedelic Ensemble" (TPE) is once again teasing us with another single entitled "The Mill Grinder", which follows closely on the heels of "Blind Mice" released seven months earlier. This single has all the hallmarks that we've come to love about TPE: layered compositions, masterful keyboard work, easily identifiable vocals, and demonstrated skill as a multi-instrumentalist. The style, unlike "Blind Mice" which was classically rooted, more closely resembles his work on the progressive rock album "The Sunstone". This piece opens with a harpsichord, and is soon backed by a rhythm from bass and percussion which I can only describe as purposefully clumsy -- perhaps to make the listener think of the arrhythmic grind of a machine or mill. But about two-thirds the way through, TPE reminds us of his mastery of composition with wonderful keyboard and guitar melodies built atop a solidly rhythmic foundation, as if it was a brief lunch break amid the daily grind of industry. There appears to be no one else contributing on this single... No Davis Brooks on violin, Kurt Fowler on cello, Ann Caren on vocals, or any of the other artists who have contributed to his work in the past. My only minor complaint about this track is that the mastering comes across as slightly harsh and noisy at times, but again, this might be an intentional feature to emphasize the harsh, daily grind of the mill. I'm glad TPE is still active, and look forward, hopefully, to release of another full-length album.