Tracklisting:

1 Najam Jikkah (8:44)

2 In Light (5:45)

3 Govindahal (8:44)

4 Dream Circle (9:08)

5 Lotus (5:51)

6 Wind Chime (4:14)

7 Radio Ganga (5:27)

8 Imdeepah (7:55)

9 Na Jam-fal (6:05)

Reviews:

review by: Jeremy Keens

I had often seen the names of Rapoon and Muslimgauze linked, but in the albums I had heard couldn't see the real closeness ­ yes there was a tribal/ethnic aspect but it was handled quite differently by the two. The re-release of Dream Circle provides the missing link.

'Najam jikkah' throws us straight in with rubbery fast drums and bells with tones through that are a settled base ­ a structure for most tracks ­ hypnotic and shifting into which are thrown deep strings and synths and fragments of female chants and voices. The presence of synths and a more structured use of some of the loops points to the difference from Muslimgauze, while the rhythm and drums parallel him more ­ differences become more obvious though as the album progresses. A fast hand drum and loop of a voice possibly saying 'fruits of Allah' are combined with shimmering light synths and aethereal blowing, twittering synths and backwards tones in 'In light'. Quite a rocky rhythm in 'Govindahal' as a drum loop with a synth whip in it and bass push on, while building/falling organ chord is the more varying element together with longer tones and judderings.

Looser, lighter and more open, 'Dream circle's strings and echoed claps are lightly manipulated with soft whisperings. Chopped up voices are the rhythm element of 'Lotus' as shimmers and pulses slide across, ghost drums pass and longer vocal lines weave through. With 'Wind chime' an extensive distortion makes the rhythm bed into an industrial rumble over which rainstick waves and a hissy singing blow, before the loose tabla of 'Radio ganga' underscores synths and a rumble like a train.

Voices as the main instrument again in 'Imdeepah' where words and fragments dance with an over-drumming, and then 'Na jam-fal' which is based on a deep synth drone which adds a later pulsing, voices redolent from earlier tracks and more drums is another extended meditation.

The Rapoon albums I have are later ­ just by a years or so ­ and relistening (Fallen Gods/Cidar is on now) you can hear the similarities and developments of the sound palette from Dream Circle. The key element which runs through them all (up to the most recent I have), though is the hypnotic rhythmic ambience and wonderful play among the sound elements. The Indian-influenced art work of this release is based on original material designed for a much earlier re-release, and is printed on thick stock. But, most importantly, this is not merely an historic artefact but an excellent album that still works really well.

The most active/ percussive. Middle eastern percussion and vocals looped to infinity. Weaving in and out of time, with drone keyboards over the top. (Muslimgauze in space?) Warning- This is a pretty lo-fi album. If you've got it on C.D. it still sounds like your listening to vinyl, which does not detract from its power one bit but rather adds to the texture, in my opinion. (it's not that bad, really)

review by Matt Hoessli

the Hyperreal archives

Note from the DOVe archives

Robin Storey's first release after leaving :zoviet*france: displays a playful skill at manipulating sound combined with a newly reacquired taste for dance beats.