DONDESTAN

"Dondestan" is the 5th full-length studio album by UK progressive rock artist Robert Wyatt. The album was originally released through Rough Trade Records in 1991 but according to the liner notes Robert Wyatt exceeded his planned studio time and the album was mixed and mastered in a rush. In 1998 Robert Wyatt was given the chance to remix and remaster the album, which was then re-released as "Dondestan (Revisited)". Not only is the album remixed and remastered but the track order is also different on the 1998 version.

The music featured on the album is unmistakably the sound of Robert Wyatt. Rather minimalistic and predominantly melancholic experimental rock with a touch of jazz. I say predominantly melancholic because as always Robert Wyatt´s great warm humour also shines through on tracks like the "Shrinkrap" and on the title track. The album was recorded solely by Robert Wyatt who sings with his fragile voice and distinct sounding vocals, plays keyboards, drums and percussion. In that respect "Dondestan" reminds me of his previous studio album release "Old Rottenhat (1985)". "Dondestan" features a much better and more well sounding production than it´s predecessor though.

The album features a lot of strong material but it´s the melancholic tracks like "NIO (New Information Order)" and "Sight Of The Wind" that take the prize. They leave emotional impact and a level of intensity that only Robert Wyatt can produce. All compositions are written by Robert Wyatt except "Lisp Service" which is co-written with former Soft Machine colleague Hugh Hopper. Some of the lyrics are written by his wife Alfreda Benge

"Dondestan" is upon conclusion another strong album by Robert Wyatt and a testimony to the fact that he was as inspired in 1991 as he was in 1974 when he recorded "Rock Bottom" which is still arguably his masterpiece and most famous work. A 4 star (80%) rating is deserved.