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Reviews

Cipher — One Who Whispers
(Gliss glisscd 007, 2002, CD)

by Jeff Melton, Published 2003-08-01

One Who Whispers Cover art

Reeds man Theo Travis and bassist Dave Sturt’s second project of ambient works is one characterized by lulling mood poems and ghostly atmospherics. Theo’s flute playing is at the root of most of the tracks that carry his cool, imagistic melodic lines. Daevid Allen’s glissando guitar is also a key foundation component for over half of the entire album (thus an instant recommendation to Gong fans). Strong influence by Jade Warrior’ Jon Field can be felt on many pieces especially with flute choirs (as on “Celluloid” that also features Porcupine Tree’s Richard Barbieri on analog keyboards). The title track opens the series of nine sound-based watercolors with an unsettled impression offset by Sturt’s steady bass and a sampled percussion line. The longest theme development occurs on “The Apparent Chaos of Snow” where echoey flute choirs come to the forefront. In contrast, “Panoramic Lounge’ relies on a bubbling techno synth which underpins Travis’s mellow delivery together with Allen’s ghostly effects. “It Did Happen” is possibly the most serious piece on the album as the nature of the piece (flute with bass guitar counterpoint) implies loss and profound sadness. Closing out the album is “Absorbed,” a song that is creepier than the rest of the album as pitch is changed across the piece creating healthy but dizzying results. Overall, the disc (co-produced by Steven Wilson) is a welcome addition to the creditable body of ambient works that are being released independently.

Filed under: New releases, Issue 27, 2002 releases

Related artist(s): Richard Barbieri, Steven Wilson / I.E.M., Theo Travis, Daevid Allen, Cipher

More info
http://cipher4.bandcamp.com/album/one-who-whispers

 

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