The Joy of Discovery
velvet_green | 07/12/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Loops", subtitled "Analogue Experiments 1980 - 1983", first saw daylight in cassette form only, issued on Hammill's own private label in 1983. It was only available for a short period, which made it as mysterious and unreachable as the man himself. This is the latest version, which became available in 1993 in CD form.Hammill admits this is one of his stranger albums, consisting of odd instrumental tunes (and two "songs"), originally written for various purposes: "A Ritual Mask" (the first track, for those who glance at the above erroneous track list) was part of a "WOMAD" collection, "The Moebius Loop", Hammill first experience with the seedy loops (...) was originally recorded for pH7, but abounded, and completed years after, especially for this collection. "In Slow Time" in an instrumental take of the song that saw light on "Black Box". Others were written as ballet music. All are even stranger than usual, and some present the listener with a real challenge."The Moebius Loop" is one of the best "songs" Hammill ever wrote. Although quite short, it is a lovely little piece. "The Bells! The Bells!" is another highly original track, a far cry from Hammill traditional material.Strange, ambiented, album, but a very worthy addition to your cherished collection of Hammill albums."
Experimental Hammill !
Levan Tsulukidze | Georgia, Batumi | 10/04/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Symptomatic disk for Peter Hammill. Interesting by vocalizing on two tracks and instrumental playing, Hammill breathe in "Loops & Reels" his most creative soul, experiment-blending with heavy psychedelia, dark soundscape compositions reflects Hammill's complex, but cute nature, no one do what Hammill does and "Loops & Reels" determines his musical principles. He is a "White Shark" of progressive rock, listen and swim into the oceans of sounds. "Ritual Mask" is something that you should know."
Track Listings (7) - Disc #1
