Reflecting (Ambient and Loop Tracks, Autumn 2006) [Reprise]

‘Reflecting…’ is the ghostly Ondes Martenot sounds of Shorpshire’s EL Heath. EL Heath finds beauty all around him; in the country side, around his home, in childhood memories, in early morning light and in dreams

As an honourary member of Epic45 and as part of madcap Welsh Krautrockers Strap The Button, it’s a wonder how Mr. Heath finds time to record such captivating sounds.

Based around the unique howl of the Martenot (one of the scarcest instruments on the planet and his choice of recording equipment – namely a 20 year old tape recorder, ‘Reflecting…’ was once described as Basinksi’s decomposing symphonies laced with the expansive nature of Vangelis’ ‘Bladerunner’ score.

Certainly, EL Heath’s cavernous compositions, especially when he layers cascading drones, with obscured voices, piano, muffled guitar, the Ondes and violin, create warped, dream-like sequences of woozy melody and other-worldly peculiarity. ‘Reflecting…’ is an invigorating antidote to over-bearing digital manipulation and a celebration of nostalgia.

Also included is a series of photographs taken by EL Heath, which inspired the sounds you can hear on the record.