EVERYONE YOU HOLD

X My Heart, the previous album was hailed as one of his best, so how does this follow-up compare? Some of the songs were recorded about the same time and are as lyrically intriguing. The usual PH topics prevail - life circumstances, the gains and losses along the way... generally though this collection is less intense, quieter, more sombre and has more of a minimal quality. Many of the tracks are linked with slightly dissonant synthesised sounds which add to the rather unsettling ambience. Song construction is less complex here with few twists and turns - only 'Bubble' and 'Tenderness' come up with the unexpected. Like much of Hammill's work the songs become more rewarding after a few plays however 'Falling Open' is to me the least interesting musically, a sparse and overlong piece, while the last, 'Tenderness' is the most moving concerning consolation after a relationship breakdown. At the end of this attention grabbing piece you think its all over and done, then heartbeat- like drums herald a loud surge of disturbing electronics - the frustration and anger erupting. This one will stay with you! Definitely one to buy if you are a follower of this challenging and often difficult songwriter. Newcomers may do well to start at X My Heart or his earlier works e.g. 'Skin'.