The Neil Campbell Collective's album Particle Theory is a fascinating and well thought out collection of musical pieces. Immediately you're struck by the fact that there is no lead instrument as such. Instead the synths, guitars, cello, harp and horns all blend together and weave in and out perfectly with one another ably supported by a tight and precise rythmn section, so the experience is one of listening to music that is expertly performed and arranged and shows no signs of being showy or suffering from extended (and pointless) solos that so many other bands deem necessary to shower upon us. It is musically expansive, but concise with it.
1. Particle Theory is a rousing, fast paced opening piece which, although it has a jazz rock feel to it in places, never lapses into self indulgent noodling and always holds your attention throughout all it's twists and turns.
2. More Particles is an extended coda to the main piece that is an analogue style synth extravaganza that has an early Kraftwerk like feel to it and is the perfect comedown from the main piece
3 Aria Features acoustic guitar,Celtic harp, cello and piano played to jazzy accompaniment from the drums and double bass, and is in total contrast to what came before it. Very gentle and reminding one of the feel that pervaded some of Pentangle's music. It's very warm sounding and the drums just add a great swing to the proceedings
4. 517 Has a great Andalucian flamenco vibe interspersed with cello stabs and guitar and synths figures that all add to the general atmospherics of the piece and some time signature changes that will keep you guessing as to what they are.
5. The Line has more expertly played Spanish guitar which interplays very well with the cello playing and has a film soundtrack feel to it before slowing things down into the vocal section sung by Jeff Jepson; the first of the album, supported once again by cello, electric guitar and bass and then changing back to the main theme for the final section.
6. The List has a melancholy cello theme backed by some classic synth soundscapes and is a fine example of how to purvey attention grabbing atmospherics to the listener.
7.Angels and Aeroplanes is another vocal composition and Jeff Jepson's vocals sit nicely within the song and it's restrained piano. The chorus section's vocals from Victoria Melia give the song a beautiful lift and the unison vocals towards the end makes one wish to hear more of these two working together.
8. Particle Theory 2 is a gentle harp and acoustic guitar outro to the album which lulls you until it breaks into a reprise of the musical themes of the opening track.
This is a very unique sounding album which holds your attention from start to finish. It does have some references and suggestions of other musical influences here and there if you want to spend time looking for them, but they just serve to allow you into the musical delights contained within this thoroughly enjoyable album.
Reviewed by Kevin Wallbank of M100 and Honeymoon on Mars
** See The Neil Campbell Collective under featured artist (Experimental & Other).
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