MUSIC FROM MACBETH

Before finding this album I knew The William Shakespeare's classic drama which it was based on, and also the minimalistic and archaic ethnic sound of Third Ear Band was familiar to me, but I did not know that Roman Polanski has also directed a film from this play, the record being it's soundtrack.

The "Overture" brings forth the familiar sound of the group, raw pipe sound playing joylessly in unconventional scales, tribal calm drumming, supported by amplified guitar, bass and some strings. After this the music changes more interesting (for me), as there are some ancient European classical music elements included to the sound in interesting way, and there are some quite formless, personal sequences resembling maybe Brian Eno's Pachelbel variations. There is also some rare element for this group here present, this being singing on the very medieval oriented "Fleance" song. The storyline is followed with quite many simple songs, which are often more sound environments than tonal compositions. The music is maybe not totally fitting to my own taste, but contains still quite fine moments, and being very refreshing personal and different record. The band certainly produces something quite personal with scarce amount of musical elements. Maybe the fastness of some ideas distracted little the listening, and also the pleasant moments are companied with some phases not very pleasant to experience.

If you wish to hear very personal, raw and ancient oriented music, it is certainly provided by this record. Due my interest to European classical and folk music, I think this is so far the most interesting album by this group I have heard, and I have to find an opportunity to experience the original film of the master director.