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Another review...
The nine compositions in this collection could not be considered
easy-listening in any sense known to man but it is entirely right
that we should not be forever wrapped-up in the warm blanket of
anodyne pop culture. It's good to be challenged.
Having read a number of other personal accounts of listening to
the album I had expected to hear something with less shape and
form than I subsequently discovered.
The structure of a few of the arrangements is certainly a tad
elusive but with repeated encounters the compositional structures
reveal themselves with startling lucidity.
Mr Walker's voice is a marvelous instrument. His ability to
communicate complex emotional states places him amongst the
greatest vocal performers of the past half-century.
The rich, dark baritone possesses a curious vibrato at the
top end of his register which brings vivid expression to the
many twists and turns of this deeply atmospheric music.
There are so many riches here it's hard to know where to start.
The gospel undertow of "Bouncer See Bouncer...." is particularly
affecting. The hypnotic rhythmic pulse frames a vocal performance
of spare dramatic intensity.
Here and elsewhere the lyrical subject matter is ambiguous and
expressionistic. A luminous central interlude glows momentarily
with hope but the respite is short-lived. The desolate first
subject returns with disconcerting anvengence.
A consummately conceived spiritual for godless times.
The shimmering sonic inventions of 'Patriot (A Single)' keep
falling away into a very dark place. The tortured narrative seems
to be desperately searching for a more moderate self-view.It is
this contrast between stark isolation and a more expansive, redemptive
vision which gives the composition both its power and its magic.
Title track 'Tilt' is as close as things get to a verse/chorus
compositional format but Mr Walker cannot quite resist subverting
the rhythmic flow with a few moments of disconnected and fragmented
vocal mayhem just to keep us on our toes.
David Rhodes' blistering guitar solo is an unbridled force of
nature. Here and elsewhere John Gilbin (bass), Brian Gascoigne
(keyboards) and Ian Thomas (drums) bring this immensly complex
music to life with masterful aplomb.
Better late than never I have discovered 'Tilt'
to be a hugely rewarding listening experience.
Highly recommended.
