Bark Psychosis: Hex (Hex - Bark Psychosis)

Member Name: pearlydewdrop

Product:	Hex - Bark Psychosis
Date:	22/06/08 (91 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Amazing mellow, jazzy sound with subtle vocals

Disadvantages: May be tough to get- shop around

Bark Psychosis may not be a band that many people are familiar with, especially since they have released only two really significant albums since they formed in 1986. Also there was a huge 10 year gap between the incredible album 'Hex' (1994), and IIICodename-Dustsucker (2004)! Prolific they are not- quality they certainly are! As you can probably guess from my other music reviews, I have slightly eccletic music tastes; largely the fault of 'him indoors' who was a music fiend for the most part of his angst ridden youth! (before I came along, that is!). My husband introduced me to Bark Psychosis in the early days of our relationship (this music was part of his plan to woo me with beautiful tunes, and probably to educate me musically so that I would be an acceptable girlfriend!). We would play this cd in the background whilst we played intense games of Scrabble, Backgammon, and Chess (...honestly!). Anyway, it is time for me to reveal the delights of this amazing music, and lure you into my world of crazy music!

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~Who are/were Bark Psychosis?~
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Bark Psychosis were not a very prolific band, but boy did they come up with the goods when they focused! Bark Psychosis are an English, post-rock or progressive-rock band, formed in 1987. They hailed from Waltham Forest, East London, and released 'Hex', their most amazing work (in my view), in 1994. Graham Sutton has been at the centre of this band since the early days, offering his rich yet mellow vocals to a dynamic collective of instrumentalists. During the production of 'Hex', the band members included Graham Sutton, Daniel Gish, John Ling and Mark Simnett.


~What does 'Hex' Sound like?~
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'Hex' is one of those rare and enigmatic albums that flows into one lush, auditory feast. With a mix of instruments used in their music, Bark Psychosis achieve a mellow, jazzy, electronica-infused sound. The instruments included are piano, electric guitars, and a string quartet- a rich electronic backdrop gives 'Hex' a unique 'multi-layered' texture.

Suttons vocals are subtle yet deep- merging at times with the instrumental tones to create an almost continuous ambience. There are clear undulations in the tunes of 'Hex', and each song is evidently different, and yet this album can be listened to in an almost seamless fashion- the artists achieve an amazing synergy in their music, capturing a universal hypnotic quality in every track. This is one of those ambient albums that has 'character', and a density to its music, and yet can still be played in the background on quiet social occasions ( cosy meals with friends). I like this album because it doesnt try to be cool, its really unpretentious- your guests will simply be absorbed by the beauty of this music. You will appear cool by association with this record, but you'll genuinely love it too! (I hope).


~My Final Word~
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If you, like me, enjoy a bit of 'Talk-Talk', 'Cocteau Twins', and 'My Bloddy Valentine', then this may be for you. Actually, even if youre unfamiliar with these groups but like atmospheric, ethereal, or stirring instrumentals, vocals, and electronica, then give this a try. If youre interested, visit amazon.co.uk

http://www.amazon.com/Hex-Bark-Psychosis/dp/B0000 00HXK

I know that this album can be bought used from £13.99, currently from the UK site. It could also be imported from the US site.


Happy listening!

Summary: Love IT!