Philip Clemo - Dream Maps (2016) CDRip

This is composer, multi-instrumentalist and filmmaker Philip Clemo's sixth album and the summation of nine pieces painstakingly developed over the course of three years. His music is essentially uncategorisable but, within a jazz context, could even be regarded as a new kind of third stream. Certainly there are elements within his compositions which allude to some of his influences such as the Cocteau Twins (especially Liz Fraser's sublime wordless vocals), Brian Eno, David Sylvian and undoubtedly Steve Reich.

"Liberation" opens with an eastern sounding orchestral drone shortly resolving into a rhythmic pulse and triumphal three chord vamp, which sets the tone for much of this strange and mesmerising album.

"Shadow Seas" evinces a darker mood with a subtle bass-dominated beat and barely audible assorted instrumentation but is no less hypnotic than its predecessor. "Magnetic" has a vague resonance of Miles Davis's Sketches Of Spain but with Evi Vine's ethereal voice substituting for Miles's muted trumpet. "Lark" begins almost imperceptibly but breaks into a gentle guitar and cello driven folky theme which is followed by a steady percussive beat driving to its conclusion.