While Angels Watch

[Cyn 026 MCD] Available from Cynfeirdd, 2 Sente des Godeurs, 78250 Hardricourt, France.

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HAVING tremendously enjoyed 'Dark Age', WAW's first release on the Cynfeirdd label, I was obviously looking forward to the second offering with some relish. The surrealist cover art, produced by the beautiful Spanish artist, Remedios Varo (1908-63), is rather peculiar and full of unusual detail. It depicts a leather-clad gentleman sitting behind a small wooden desk as ghostly shapes fall on to a brick floor and a cat sits attentively in the corner. Meanwhile, a blue spinning disc can be seen flying through an open window as eight sharpened grandfather clocks prop up a cushioned ceiling and appear to offer a variety of new worlds and possible dimensions. But whilst the previous colour-scheme was olive green, this time it's pale blue.

The MCD itself is just over twenty minutes in length and comprised of just four tracks, but Dev is joined once again by musical husband and wife team Jane (vocals) & Matt Howden (violin/production). 'Crossing the Tide of Time' has a soft piano cleverly juxtaposed with deep vocals and I'm glad to note that little has changed as far as the quality and range of Dev's voice is concerned. Wavering slightly to great effect before slotting into a characteristic key-change for the chorus, the lyrics tell of loneliness, perpetual stagnancy and disparate souls: 'I know I'll never touch your skin / And mine is a cell imprisoned within'. Jane's beautiful harmonies riding pillion on a downward spiral towards madness, destruction and obsession. The calculated pauses between verse and chorus allow the piano to drift away for a few seconds before fading in again and thereby allowing the song to go through a series of peaks and troughs in order to complement the mixed emotions that are being described. Another glance at Varo's painting and all becomes clear. Surely the words are based on the tragic thoughts of the whey-faced figure that stares at the open window, surrounded by endless pendulums and the haunting images of time? Suddenly, the structure dies away completely and what began as a ballad now drifts off into the world of ambience. A brief flurry of sorrowful strings and urgent Endura-style whisperings struggle to be heard above a wall of sound. When the piano returns to gently calm the storm, it reminds me of the melancholic 'Watched Over By Angels' by Remanence.Coincidence, perhaps?

Without pausing for breath, the acoustic strains of 'Moonchild (Redroom Mix)' can be heard rising in the background like a lunar eclipse. The way Matt's incredible violin twists and turns like a shrieking banshee on acid, you'd be forgiven for thinking that someone had finally done the decent thing and plugged Nigel Kennedy into the national grid. Jane soon joins the fray as this fiddling bonanza gradually builds into a heady duet: 'Your voice it rides the wind'. Fantastic. Cash and Carter, eat your hearts out. 'Eye For Eye' meanwhile, which, on the previous album, was both uncompromising and defiant, is given a fresh 2004 rendering. The acoustic guitar sounds much tighter here and the overall improvement in quality is testimony to Matt's evolving production technique. But this is no two-a-penny rehash. The 60's-style strumming effect is still there, but WAW have actually managed to polish what was already a monumental song and make it even better. Whilst some people may have preferred to hear some newer material, it's very encouraging to see that Dev is seriously trying to ameliorate his existing repertoire before releasing another full-length album. And similarly, of course, the updated version of 'The Waiting Ground' - another gem - demonstrates his growing confidence and dexterity. I must admit to rather enjoying the Psychedelic electric guitar break on the previous rendition, but Matt's slightly more restrained violin has me thinking that in terms of improvisation this would be a great opportunity for him to go bonkers in front of a live audience. And soon, I hope. This MCD is a perfect introduction to the awesome talent of these three individuals and is an absolute must.

For more information, see http://www.falling.org.uk