Body Full Of Stars - "Falling Angles"
Mark Dunn likes African rhythms, of that I am certain, as they are on show throughout this album. The backing band consists of some Rabbit Hatters. "Jump Up" opens the set with a blues. A song for Guatemala,a call for the Mayan's to jump up and live again."Body Full Of Stars" has esoteric lyrics and Tim Jones adds some excellent guitar.The percussion and drum rhythms are of West African origin. "Rainbow Water-Snake Demon" could have come from Paul Simon's "Graceland". Simon too is immersed in African rhythms. The "Orchestra Luna", many years ago, recorded tracks in a similar vein. A standard vocal line is followed by some pseudo operatic duet singing. The sentiments of "Everyone is drowning, the rich and the poor" could be followed by "but you can call me Al". "Spirit House Dance", an excellent drumming sequence, overlaid by Martin Holder on guitar, gives us a superb instrumental. There is a gradual building of the sound until we are reminded of The Allman Brother's "Jessica" from their "Brothers And Sisters" album. "The Women Come Singing", with synthesized flutes and strings has a melody that is almost a very slow version of "Gotta Travel On". This track is also reminiscent of early "Medicine Head", and excellent it is too. "Quaking Houses" is subtitled "Old Macdonalds' Mix", and we are provided with an electronic sequenced cockerel over which Mark Dunn and Terri B add the vocals and the noises. This ecological song is followed by "This Mortal Coil" on which Mark Dunn speaks the lyrics "Is this a Chrysalis or a shroud? Nail that man, crucify him". The bass playing is influenced by the great Jaco Pastorius. Mark has perfected his sound but nobody has ever perfectly copied his playing. The final track is really exceptional. The improvisation allows Martin Holder to stretch out and show his expertise. His playing is similar to Alan Hodge from "The Golant Pistons" and "Bunk Dogger" who is one of my personal favourites. Holder's fluid runs are just full of ideas. Perhaps Stone Premonitions might consider a solo album from him. Body Full Of Stars deserve success and surely it will eventually arrive.
Ken Brooks - Art Beat Reader Magazine