It will be difficult to find a conventional musical term to
adequately describe LITHOSPHERE (52'44") by Robert Rich and
Ian Boddy. This intriguing album arises out of soundlab
experimentation and delves into an arcane world of tone and
mood. The sources and inspiration for this work seems to be
foreign as opposed to alien; as if from some corner of the world
only recently discovered and comprehended by just a few
intrepid explorers. The perplexing rhythm structure, and its
shifting accents, forms a curious energy while unfamiliar
harmonies, based on a non-western intonation, precipitates an
unsettling atmosphere. Fortunately, amidst the intensity and cold
calculations that inundate this album, several access points
exist in areas of repose where the listener may reflect in a
serene eloquence. Surfacing when a melody is called for is
Rich's steel guitar. It's voice-like timbre snakes and slides
through chords and keys and provides yet another level of
engagement. For all this album's high concept and high tech
theorizing and execution, when the energy level dissipates and
the rhythm has wound out, the duo resorts to the sampled
sounds of scraping stones to pause any forward motion.
Although LITHOSPHERE is a great collaborative effort,
self-referential moments are expected and anticipated. Yet, in
this alliance, the signature sounds and voices of one are
modified and enhanced by the other - converted into something
fascinatingly different from the original, yet possessing a
haunting familiarity. Music has the ability to communicate a
wonderful range of mood and feelings. Understanding what it is
Rich and Boddy are trying to convey will take some effort on the
part of the listener.

Tune in to STAR'S END this weekend for music from
LITHOSPHERE by Robert Rich and Ian Boddy

For more on LITHOSPHERE, access: http://www.din.org.uk

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STAR'S END broadcasts every Saturday night/Sunday morning
from 1am-6am (EDT) on:

88.5fm WXPN Philadelphia, PA
88.1fm WXPH Harrisburg, PA
90.5fm Worton/Baltimore, MD
104.9fm Allentown, PA

and live on the web...

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Chuck van Zyl
Host of STAR'S END Ambient Radio
http://www.starsend.org