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 Review archive:  # a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Equestrain Vortex - Samhain Ritual [Psychic Field Recordings - 2014]

Samhain Ritual offers up  three fairly lengthy slices of horror themed retro synth craft, that’s edged with a few more experimental touches. The release came in the form of CDR, and appeared in late 2014.

This release is the project debut, and it brings together Darren Charles( of The Dead End Street Band) & Tony( ex The Dead End Street Band) from Newcastle upon Tyne. Sound wise I guess what we  have here is fairly similar to what The Dead End Street Band do- i.e. creating synth craft that sounds like it's from some long forgotten 1970’s or 1980’s horror film soundtrack, but I think maybe the sound here is a little more focused, structured & less wondering than TDESB’s sound can be.

The three tracks are constructed using a selection vintage analog synthesizers, and electronics, and all but one track is built around a fairly firm 'n' set electro pulsing backbone.  Opening up the album we have the longest track which comes in the form of 21.31 minutes of “Samhain Ritual”- this track is centred around a eerier mid-to- higher pitched chopping synth element, which is edged with subtle beats-  as the track progresses the pair added in moody low droning back drop, and all manner  of electro swishes 'n' wails . The track to start with rather brought to mind either the soundtrack for Halloween two or three- but as it  progressed it got a bit more seared & noisy around the edges. This track is a good start to the album, and managed to keep my attention held through-out.

Track two comes in the shape of “Gnostic Mass”, and this comes in at around the eleven & a half minute mark. The track opens with a fairly constant stabbing, urgent yet thin mid range synth tone-  as the track progresses the pair add in murk curls & stretchers of electro tone. And at one point a more pronouched & chop synth repetition is added, as the electro tones get more agitated & searing in their feel…all of this nicely builds the tension up & up. The whole thing builds to taut, dense & hellish mass, which recalls a noisy cousin of BBC radiophoincs from the 70’s.

Last up we the just under thirteen minutes of “ Brotherhood Of The Chupacabras”. This is built around a chopping &  slightly oscillating meaty synth repetition, which is ribbed by thin pitter patter elector cymbals,  taut sweeps of rushing sub-tones, and latter on sweeps of high pitched synth whines & chops. The whole thing rather brought to mind a mix of more structured  & repetitive Throbbing Gristle, & tense 'n' taut late 70’s soundtrack chase music.

All in all this is a rewarding & consistent first release from this pair- so if you enjoy the place were 70/80’s electronic based soundtrack meets slightly noisy/ experimental fare this is well worth a look.  Apparently pair has got more releases lined up in the near future, so I look forward to hearing those.

Rating: 3 out of 5Rating: 3 out of 5Rating: 3 out of 5Rating: 3 out of 5Rating: 3 out of 5

Roger Batty
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