Another lengthy release of experimental sounds from this strange project, consisting of a large number of generally brief tracks, beginning with the odd "Walk Tall", which basically sounds like manipulated samples from 70's funk music or something. Like the last Ginger Leigh CD-R that I heard, the bulk of this material is an unusual mix of experimental sounds ranging from harsh noise and ethereal ambient to much more musical styles, this time making more use of musical samples that sound like they could've been borrowed from obscure old movies or TV shows. This material is less harsh than the last disc, with more musical samples playing larger roles, often with a Middle Eastern sort of flare. It's honestly just not my thing. I don't know, there are some cool moments, but overall I find it to be kind of random and uninteresting, relying too heavily on existing music that's not heavily manipulated enough to feel entirely new or out of context. "I Dreamt a Dream" is nearly the longest track (though still only around four minutes), and it's also the best, as it feels more deliberate and developed, whereas some of the shorter pieces sort of end before they feel like they got off the ground. I really just don't understand the vibe here. I'm definitely not at all into more lighthearted sounding tracks like the funky opener or "More Unquestionable Truths", which takes a slightly darker though ineffective twist to another funky beat. And what's the connection between the quirkier tracks and the Middle Eastern influences? "Take Me Away to Dreamland" is another more subtly musical track, with a pulsing rhythmic loop and sizzling textures over softer musical elements, and I kind of like that as well... it's just too short. In my opinion longer, more focused, more intentionally structured tracks that dwell more on the truly abstract sounds would make for infinitely more interesting and powerful work from this project. The CD-R is jet black top and bottom, in a clear jewel case with minimal artwork under the tray, consisting of stickers on a piece of paper with a tracklist and the release title and nothing more. Honestly? It looks pretty plain and shoddy, I won't lie, but if nothing else I like the sleek blackness of the disc itself. I liked the last effort a little better, though. The sound quality seemed cleaner and the approach seemed a little more original. This is still pretty different in its own right, but I'm just not feeling it at all. A matter of individual tastes, perhaps?
[self-released]
Running time - 53:18, Tracks: 18
[Notable tracks: I Dreamt a Dream, Take Me Away to Dreamland]
Ginger Leigh - http://www.gingerleigh.com
