PARTICLE THEORY

Neil Campbell and his Collective takes us on an amazing journey on their sophomore release.

The musical landscapes visited on these 8 compositions are highly varied; as the mix of styles and the instrumentation used is rather unique.

From the opening tunes with their space-tinged explorations in territories close to Hawkwind and Öresund Space Collective to the following numbers with more distinct passages from classical sounding instruments (although still rock with a psychedelic tinge) this is a wild, unexpected and highly enjoyable ride on a groundbreaking musical rollercoaster.

Highly recommended to space rockers and psychedelic fans; as well as people generally interested in original, experimental music.

This is a new experience for me and if an album ever deserves to be attributed as progressive - 'Particle Theory' is involved. A sophisticated approach and realization is to state - made for music gourmets. As for Neil Campbell's composing skills he succeeds to join a wealth of varying styles and moods. It's not rather necessary to underline that he's also a master of classical guitar - you just can hear it. And so the music of this collective is even offering an orchestral chamber flavour sometimes - augmented by Nicole Collarbone's cello. Something like the unique trademark you can say.

The album holds mainly instrumental pieces and a special suspense in its entirety - wrapped in the two parts of the title song Particle Theory. The opening part is an art rock tune which shows a dynamical band provided with slight classical portions from the acoustic guitar and cello. It would be a real shame to listen to this song only once because a lot of details are to discover. Bubbling synths are adding some spacey impressions and build up the transiton to the next song.

This is obviously differing to the more singer/songwriter orientation on the foreunner '3 O'Clock Sky'. As for that matter - the following More Particles - somewhat unconventional or contrary at a first glance - comes up with electronic ambient soundscapes ala Tangerine Dream. Normally the listener does not know much about the composer's intention and likings unless he's able to dissect and analyze the songs right down to the last detail. However, being aware of Campbell's krautrock influences all unclarities are cleared soon.

The following songs are all played in a wonderful melancholic mood - somewhat orchestral with a fusion based rhythm work at the same time whereas The Line and Angels and Aeroplanes are provided with vocals as a noticable difference. The closing part of Particle Theory starts with a duet by acoustic guitar and celtic harp until the band begins to hurry up once again in a psychedelic mood. Finally not to forget the other collective members not mentioned by name who one and all play on a high level - Mark Brocklesby's excellent drumming with accentuated cimbal use to rank foremost.

'Particle Theory' requires more than one listen. Recommended to fans of modern eclectic music. Let me close with a minimal plagiarism, picked up from another review I stumbled upon somewhere: 'just too damn clever for the mainstream'.