DFA

Recorded live during NEARfest 2000, this was DFAs first show in the USA, but there's no sign of nerves in an immaculate performance.

Lurking along the line between progressive precision and fusion experimentalism, DFA are without doubt, masters of their respective instruments. True, there is the odd moment of 'see how clever I am' muso stylings but they mainly manage to avoid the trap marked 'clinical'. When it all comes together as on "Pantera", you can only sit back and admire the marvel that is masters at work.

There is a lot to admire here, and if your penchant is for extended improvisation, then you really ought to be getting a hold of this. Another top quality release from the enterprising and innovative Moonjune Records.

www.moonjune.com

Various - Songs Of Terror: A Gothic Tribute To Edgar Allan Poe (Cleopatra)

Goths, can't live with them, can't throw them screaming into a molten lake of bubbling flesh, awash with the tormented souls of the eternally dying. Well you could, but they'd be queuing round the block, begging for their turn.

Edgar Allan Poe, mad old stylee author, awash with alcohol, drugs and syphilis, married his own teenage cousin before pooping his clogs in mysterious circumstances. Although bearing in mind the alcohol, drugs, syphilis and underage rumpo, its probably not that mysterious. His parents were Ayrshire Covenanters. Which explains the alcohol, drugs, syphilis and underage rumpo. I've been to Ayrshire, I know.

So put the two together and what have you got? Supercalifra, no that was something else. Oh, yes, a CD awash with alcohol, drugs, syphilis and underage rumpo.

As always with compilation albums you have to pan for (black) gold. So the winners are Midnight Configuration who go for an electronic drum ditty with obligatory Eldrict vocals (Andrew that is, not the Older Gods), Kommunity FK, who despite their casual approach to the letter K, go all lo-fi Manson (Marilyn not Charles), Immortalis Amor, who despite a shocking attitude towards foreign languages go all Stevie Nicks meet the Pet Shop Boys and some good drugs, Stun Gun, who win points for their name alone but are actually rather ethereal, and then there's Zeitgeist fave Jennifer Hope, who contribute the self explanatory "Dream WIthin A Dream", which is a continuation of her move from goth into new age, and is well worth a listen

CENSUS OF HALLUCINATIONS - 5 (Stone Premonitions)

Hurrah! A new Census of Hallucinations ceedee. And nelieve it or not, it's their fifth. Which may or may not explain the title.

For those yet to experience the wonder of CoH in full flight, this is the Stone Premonitions outlet for experimental, psychedelic, whimsy. Fortunately, it's underpinned by the magesterial, musical backing of the SP house band. Imagine, if you will, a hippy funk brothers. Tight but loose.

Veering between political attacks and somnabulent nursery rhymes, CoH 5 is a step back up the psychotronic love commando ladder, and is an essential item. Looking for a highlight? The sturm and drang of "The Gremlin Song". Stop messing about and go buy it at http://www.the-rocker.co.uk

Stone Premonitions, 271 Park Road, South Moor, Stanley. Co Durham DH9 7AP, UK
terrib@stoneprem.freeserve.co.uk