COYOTE

I really had no intentions of getting this one after the disappointment of "Blue Lambency Downward" and certainly the poor ratings for that one indicate I wasn't the only one who was let down. I was convinced though from people on this site that this one wasn't nearly as minimalistic, that it had some life in it, and that it was very good. And I agree on all counts. In fact when the vocals are silent i'm reminded of Terje Rypdal and of the ECM label in general because of the atmosphere with horns and violin. I like the mood here.

"Calonyction Girl" opens with violin and sparse sounds as a voice cries out "Help me ! I'm disappearing." The melancholy and sad words continue. It picks up some around 3 minutes. Horns too. "Whisper Ineffable" features mournful horns, bass and other sounds that come and go. Drums kick in with vocals after 3 minutes as the horns continue.This is intense with the drumming upfront. It settles back 7 minutes in.The horns are prominant late to end it.

"Abyss Hinge 1 : Sleeping Birds Sighing In Roscolux" has a powerful intro as drums pound. Killer stuff right here. It settles before 3 1/2 minutes with horns to end it. "Abyss Hinge 2 : The Shrinking Armature" is my favourite. Horns and drums weave their way through this amazing piece of music.Incredible ! A change after 4 1/2 minutes as it calms right down with mournful vocals. It starts to pick back up 7 1/2 minutes in with drums and horns leading the way. Great sound. "Cartogram Out Of Phase" is slow moving with vocals and more throughout.

A return to form and their best since "Choirs Of The Eye" in my opinion. Closer to 4.5 stars.