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review by Dene Bebbington World Out of Balance is the latest self-released album to come from musician Bill McGee recording under the name Composure. Following closely on the heels of One Time Around and Ashes to Dust it exhibits a similar compositional style to what has gone before, so that anyone familiar with those works should have a good idea what to expect this time around. By now Bill has proved that he can compose good music, but if he was to experiment with new gear and move away from factory preset sounds and effects I feel sure he could deliver a more rounded musical experience. Like previous albums, this one is no exception in having many short length standalone tracks. The other thing it has in common with its predecessors is the presence of a few atmospheric pieces. Bill has managed to coax a lot out of his Korg Triton and puts the sounds and effects together in a manner that is becoming his musical signature. I found the opening track "Serengeti" to be one of the highlights of the album. Evocative of African climes, it mixes semi-tribal percussive rhythms with sounds like aeroplanes overhead and melodies revering the glory of this part of the world. Imagine flying over the Serengeti marvelling at the landscape and the wild animals which inhabit it. In contrast, the track "Axis" makes one think of the Earth spinning fast on its axis thanks to the deep rhythms and lighter percussion racing along. This sense of excitement is augmented by searing electric guitar like sounds reaching out like a sonic tentacle. Probably my favourite track is the modest paced "Red Moon". This piece starts with reverbing synths, deep electronic piano notes, and harp like trills. As it progresses bass and piano get more intense and are joined by string effects, leaving one with the impression that this may have been written as an ode. It's true that the world is out of balance, figuratively speaking in regard to the people in it and literally because it spins on its axis at 23.5 degrees. Sometimes the music on World Out of Balance captures this lack of balance quite well, especially in the more atmospheric pieces. Overall it's a pleasing work. |
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