A brand new, self released CD by Taos, New Mexico, electro-organic duo Voice of Eye sees them simultaneously returning to a more "rock" based sound like the "Hot Gypsy Fink Hell" side of their 1992 cassette release, but incorporating a far more polished psychedelic sound hinting at Steve Hillage or The Legendary Pink Dots. These are just references, as this band's sound retains the unique, hypnotic quality that has been it's hallmark since it's "Mariner Sonique" CD. There are beats, rhythms, and vocals present on this recording that are more distinctive in the mix than previous releases, but this does not make this CD any kind of attempt to be pop or mainstream by any stretch of the imagination. The pieces are more song based compositions that still retain the otherworldly yet organic quality that these two have mastered. Overall this a refreshing new sound that ought to still appeal to their fans and perhaps be more accessable to listeners who enjoy having familiar touchstones in their sonic dreamscapes.

This latest release in a recent outpouring of creativity from Italy's master of organic drones is possibly the most unique in this artist's long career as a sound sculptor. While most of his recent releases on his own Hic Sunt Leones label have been collaborations, this is his first solo effort since the release of the 10 inch vinyl Aurea Hora. As the elaborate Renaissance style artwork on the cover suggests, this music points in the direction of a more "classical" sound insofar as the utilization of Gregorian style chants. These are successfully incorporated into Musso's customary drones comprised of field recordings, acoustic instruments, and electronic processing, giving this disc a particularly reverent ambience. Don't think Enigma or Delerium, because as one listens to this they may be inclined to bow their head and meditate or pray rather than nod or chill. I imagine that if today's sound recording abilities were available during those times evoked by the artwork or chants, they too would have then added the organic elements that Alio Die does, creating a balance of both the heavenly and the earthbound. Fans of his music may or may not find this approach a departure from what they are accustomed to, but it is certain that this artist is going beyond his previous huge body of work to encompass a broader sonic pallette.

Possibly the strangest offering by this unit (A group? An individual? Cranioclast in disguise?) with a long history of unpredictable releases that are only consistent in their ability to defy easy description or categorization. This release significantly differs from others insofar as utilizing what seems to be a computer generated (or highly treated) voice to intersperse a narration of sorts between passages of sounds that range from electronic, rhythmic, and ambient to (a lesser degree) ritualistic.
Any fan of Kallabris will delight that this is a full length LP clocking in at nearly 50 minutes, as other more recent offerings have been too infrequent and of disappointingly short duration. Copies are still available from the label at this time of writing, so grab one before it's gone. High quality vinyl is packaged in a very difficult to open hermetically sealed polyurethane sleeve (I had to cut mine open with scissors) with an insert that includes text that seemingly has little bearing to the sounds contained within this LP's bizarrely enchanting groove.