ICELAND

Often the music created by Richard Pinhas has a claustrophobic, menacing quality that could easily be described as 'uneasy listening'. Here there is a sense of space and distance that is most evocative and effective.

'Iceland', released in 1979, is a brooding, chilly work that seeps into the listener, perhaps bringing an involuntary shiver as well. The title piece is divided into three sections; a short introduction then the nine-and-a-half-minute Iceland (Part 2). The repetitive unintelligible voice-like sounds evoke that treated voice at the beginning of Pink Floyd's 'Careful with that axe, Eugene' but this disquieting whisper persists throughout the piece. Is it the ghostly voice of a long-dead Icelandic ruler? Certainly 'The Last Kinds of Thule' with its hammer-blow percussive sounds could be a funeral march from another world. 'Greenland', the only piece where collaborators Francois Auger and Jean-Phillipe Goude appear, is more familiar Pinhas territory; an eight minute analogue classic that is amongst his most satisfying work. Don't get me wrong, however. This is a fine album by a master of electronics and guitar wizard who deserves to be better known. In an alternative universe Pinhas was the keyboard maestro who married Charlotte Rampling and sold millions of albums.

PS. The bonus track, a 24 minute ambient electronic work from 1983 entitled 'Wintermusic', is an enjoyable and appropriate addition to the Cunieform CD release. RATING - Vision & Innovation: 25/30; Playing & Composition: 24/30; Listener Enjoyment: 25/30; X-Factor [Cover, Bonuses, Coolness, Reviewer bias] 8/10. Total: 84/100. -> 4 Stars.