This album was released in 1968 under Island Records. The credits on this album include David Vorhaus, production coordinator, special stereo effects; Delia Derbyshire, electronic sound realization; Brian Hodgson, electronic sound realization; Paul Lytton, percussion; John Whitman, vocals; Annie Bird, vocals; Val Shaw, vocals; Trevor Wyatt, sound base transfer coordinator. I just recently got this album and I do not know too much about the production of the time and do not know what a few of these credits mean.
Love Without Sound
This song sounds like something Madonna would sing in Dick Tracy. It is very 1930s, except for all the effects. A catchy melody and chaotic sounds coming together to form beautiful harmony. The structure is basically a bunch of the same verses separated by short instrumental sections. I'd give this song a 7/10.
My Game of Loving
This song reminds me of the 60's. Almost something from a James Bond movie at first. Beautiful synth tones that have a wah-effect appear at times. Mmmm, so jazz. There is a recorded orgy sequence in this song. Very effective. It comes twice, once in the middle and once in the end. 7/10
Here Come the Fleas
This is jazz. Percussion is in the forefront more than the previous tracks. The synths are just amazing, considering the technology of the time. It sounds like a scene from an old-fashioned movie. I'm guessing Frank Zappa heard some of this stuff. 7/10
Firebird
I'm pretty sure this is the first male vocal track, even though it could have been high-range male vocals on the previous tracks. A little organ sounding stuff in here. So many sound affects. This track has a decent melody, but is nothing special. 5/10
Your Hidden Dreams
This song sounds like your in the English hillside at some points. At other points it sounds like dark jazz. The percussion and synth works well together on this track. The melody lines are very interesting, and are often harmonized. 7/10
The Visitation
Now this is where the album picks up. The lyrics on this track were apparently written on the sleeve because they were considered inaudible. The intro to this song is intense; layered synth sounds and muffled screaming climaxing to a loud scream. Then comes in a mellow verse. The next section sounds like breathing and echoes and crying and synth. Then an organ comes in. Too intense. Another verse comes in. The verse picks up when the percussion comes in and some sort of narration comes in and out. A very ambient section, sounding almost like an airport, comes in. The song continues the verse/ambience/screaming pattern and fades out with sobbing. Intense track. 8/10
Black Mass: An Electric Storm in Hell
This is the highlight of the album. It begins with a sort of chant, similar to what would be found in church. Then the percussion goes of on a tom attack and creates a very dungeony feel. Next comes in voices of a male screaming. It makes you feel like you are in a dungeon where people are being tortured. I'm guessing it is supposed to be hell. This song was an instrumental jam, that was done in one day. 8/10
Overall:
It is very difficult to review this album, considering it has little structure and works a lot on mood manipulation. It was definitely revolutionary for its time and is worth a listen. People who enjoy early Pink Floyd, and other psychedelic bands are sure to enjoy this. Also, people who like more experimental jazz, such as fusion, may like this as well.
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