MARK MCGUIRE - Tidings / Amethyst Waves

There's little doubt that Emeralds have well and truly broken through by now. Their most charismatic member, Mark McGuire, however, still works in the shadows. Since 2006 he has released countless tapes and CDRs in extremely limited editions. 2010 is certainly no exception to the rule, and "Tidings/Amethyst Waves" aims - and deserves - to be the most official and polished thing yet to come off his guitar strings.

Four tracks and an hour of music that, while not offering any great surprises compared to the band's pre-"Does It Look Like I'm Here?" sound, still manages to cast a spell. The notes sketch out rising, vibrant, dissonant landscapes, built on finely woven, barely perceptible interlocking parts. "A Matter Of Time" ripples out its long wave from the very first notes, in a layering game that's forced at first, then flows freely, charged with pathos. The harmonic unfolding soars to great heights before quickly descending again and diving into the gentle calm of the closing section.

The surface swarming of "Along The Coral Reef" opens up into summer crickets singing in the ditches, while the wonderful synth of "The Passing Of The Road Chief" spreads its wings, signing off on an anthology-worthy, plastic-smooth progression. The closing "Trips Through The Park" picks up the thread of the previous track, stirring the waters with inserts à-la Black Dice.

There's no tedium in Mark McGuire's fine work, a work that casts a spell and, while not offering anything new, contains a perceptual range of scenery and landscapes that will send shivers down your spine. Bullseye once again.

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20/07/2010