In ‘The Flax Of Reverie’ Mothlite have created a record that is complex, subtle and fascinating, but the word that really comes to mind is density. This album has gravity; it pulls you in to its orbit and is reluctant to let you go.
Another product of the intricate mind of Daniel O’Sullivan, he of such diverse musical vehicles as post ironic proggers Guapo to drone rockers Sunn O))), and as such reflects some of the influences that permeate much of his work. The dark side of Pink Floyd, the agitation of contemporary classical, the imagination of jazz and the melancholic experimentation of Talk Talk are all soaked through the music here.
The album starts slowly; ‘Riverside’ commences as a slightly fey slice of post rock but halfway through takes off in to a flute and piano driven stomp over which a repetitive vocal creates a trance-like drone effect.
From here the record shuffles, burbles and generally sneaks off in directions you don’t expect. ‘The One In The Water’ has echoes of Bauhaus or The Chameleons reverberating through it and is probably the closest to a traditional song in this set, ‘The Untouched Dew’ is a twitchy soundscape with free jazz stylings and ‘Neverbegoodwood’ is perhaps the most Talk Talkish slice on offer here with its dislocated vocals and plaintive sax.
It’s the last two tracks that seal the deal though. ‘Cauldron’ and ‘Hypnogogue’ both clock in at ten minutes plus and explore further the experimental territory hinted at in earlier tracks. Sinister strings accompany understated guitars, ethereal vocals and occasional percussive forays.
O’Sullivan has created a work that will certainly not appeal to all, it’s challenging and certainly not an easy listen, but the effort the listener puts in is rewarded with a work that is unique and compelling and is onion like in its layers that fall away one by one only to reveal yet more complexity underneath.
Top Tracks: ‘Cauldron’, ‘Hypnogogue’.
Released 08/09/2008 on Southern Records
