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Album Details

• Artist: Various Artists
• Album: Free London
• Label: Bo 'Weavil
• Year of Release: 2006
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: patchen on 2006-08-29

"How can anyone really interested in music possibly know what to play or who they are?" That line, from guitarist Rob Mullender, evokes the mystery and power of improv and discovery that soaks this 2 CD comp of British psych-folk. You may well lose sight of yourself too, if you really listen to the ground covered by the four artists showcased here. Mullender's seven tracks are the best of the lot, with his acoustic solo improvs running the gamut of emotions and tempos. "Good News From Heaven," like "Wedding Dress Flag," are almost free form but never veer into self-indulgence. The two waltzes and " Competition Rag" build off traditional structures, but still only as a framework for exploration. The Wooden Spoon mix old country and Popul-Vuh-type rhythms to create a swirl of oddly beautiful spiritual meditations. Especially on "April Morning," the effect is mesmerizing. The Eidetic Band use more familiar drone and free jazz structures to blow hard and righteous. Highlights of their set include " Elasticated Whitman," Brown Black and Fifth," and Cloud Cover for Notional Children." They are a powerful band, and the only one in the world that I know of that adds to their instrumentation with zither, cello, laptop, dictaphone, and teak butt plug. Finally, the duo Ladywoodsman focuses on percussion and fretwork, and creates a frenetic, pulsing mood that also builds off of free jazz. A great set that needs some more press, and a sign that there is more to British music these days than the latest pop sensation that comes to North America every month claiming to be brilliant. This record is brilliant.

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