At The Head of The Woods - Secrets Beyond Time & Space [Glass Throat Records - 2008]Secrets Beyond Time & Space is the debut solo release from guitarist and instrumental mood maker James Woodhead who is best know as been one half of the Pagan, psychedelic and folk project The Elemental Chrysalis, which he does with Chet W. Scott(Ruhr Hunter, Blood of the Black Owl & Glass Throat Records owner). The cd comes in the now house style Glass Throat Records over sized fold out card case that’s illustrated with a simple yet effective and very suited drawing of two trees over a beautiful yet barren sunset. The tracks here like his work with Scott on The Elemental Chrysalis are very long and atmospheric pieces with each of the four tracks finishing around the 20 minute mark. With each track taking in Woodhead’s accomplished, atmospheric and passionet guitar playing and scaping that flirts with the blues, expansive rock, folk, classical tones and country tones. Over a background of sombre ambient dwells, Woodheads desolate harmonies and singing, the odd hint of piano/ organ tone and subtle touches of other instrumental colour and moody Field recordings. But really it’s all about Woodheads drifting, expansive guitar work. Through out you can hear traces of Later Pink Floyd guitar expanse, doom country, Popol Vuh and general shimmering, Moody and emotional guitar based instrumental music. Through not as sonically and emotional varied as The Elemental Chrysalis material, this is a fine and involving collection of highly atmospheric and expansive mainly instrumental guitar based tracks. Roger Batty
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