MAN IN FORMALDEHYDE

Copper Sulphate Crystals

Pointy Bird Records (2003)

sorry-no album art available at this time

review by Dene Bebbington

On receiving this CD, I knew it was going to be something different and quite probably quirky, the artist name and album title gave that impression right away. The graphics on the liner notes also suggested a 1960s style of music, which is partly true in that the music is inspired by soundtracks from old films and "enchanted TV shows". I'm not particularly keen on experimental, psychedelic, or overly unusual music, so it was with some apprehension that I put the disc into my CD player. My first impression was relief that it isn't of the weird and unlistenable type of "music" that I've occasionally heard, and after several listens I came to appreciate the strange atmosphere generated by this album.

There's a "home-made" feel throughout Copper Sulphate Crystals. An anonymous man from the Isle Of Wight (a.k.a. Man in Formaldehyde) has used a synth, acoustic guitar, computer, and samples to create a personal album with some cinematic sensibilities. He cleverly delivers tracks that range from little more than various sounds strung together, through melodic and rhythmic pieces that sound more mainstream, to obvious psychedelia. Use of tape hiss and crackling sounds on some tracks helps to keep the listener's imagination tending towards old films or TV programmes.

Several pieces stand out for me. A particularly rhythmic and melodic piece is "The Sacred Heart of Jesus" which mixes acoustic guitar well with an almost toy like synth sound, drum and other effects. On "Earthmonster 1," blistering sounds and drum effects summon memories of Japanese Godzilla or dinosaur films. Then towards the end of the album "Harry's Song" is a pleasant mildly melodic track sounding as though it's played on an organ.

I didn't enjoy every track on Copper Sulphate Crystals, nonetheless it's a singular album of some charm that tends to grow on the listener. Those who are open to something different and who don't give up at the first listen may become captivated by this offering from Pointy Bird Records.