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Among the many notable truths about Steve Dinsdale is his comfort as a listener. From filling the position of drummer in rock bands, to a sophisticated taste in record collecting, and his continually changing role in the renowned Spacemusic trio Radio Massacre International - where moment-to-moment his duties shift between supporting their cosmic excursions to leading them - Dinsdale's musicianship owes much to his abilities as a listener. The substantial Earth Dome (122:48) is meant for fellow listeners of the world. Indulging in a most pleasurable poetic escapade Dinsdale has let loose with nine tracks from across several themes, years and sonic topographies. Realized over a number of improvised studio sessions each piece can be heard as a transfiguration of variously absorbed encounters and experiences, culminating in a free-form aural association. Benefitting from some enigmatic unconscious process, Earth Dome provides us with a portrait of this oh-so inward-looking yet outward-bound musician. Exploring the dynamics and tensions of twilight, space and atmosphere, here Dinsdale produces his unique and unified Electronic scenarios, themes and scenes. As sequencers spin beneath sweeping synth chords, the mechanical rigidity of the patterns seems somehow softened - as they motor up beside a dense motion of electric organ and such haunting and lithesome melodies by Mellotron flute. Further in, with insinuating modulations and ethereal aural forces, it is the disarmingly dark and isolated passages that reduce the album's density and energy. Transporting its audience, Earth Dome pushes and pulls, then expands and contracts, along an intriguing contour - to attain a rare unity. With this work's undulating energy eventually resolving into an expanding charge of inexplicable feelings, the human element is made known - and beauty is revealed.
- Chuck van Zyl/STAR'S END 15 October 2026 |
