It's amazing to think that well over 12 months have passed since Radio Massacre International opened the first electronic music concert ever to be held at Jodrell Bank. The whole thing passed in such a blur that only retrospectively did the full impact of the music presented on that night start to dawn. To hear this album now even I find it hard to believe that RMI constructed such a masterpiece almost off the cuff.
What you hear is what the lucky audience were treated to on the night. In the period since this concert I believe RMI have advanced even more, with the October Gallery concert showing the sequencing highs to which RMI can now reach as well as the melodic edge which is now becoming a greater factor. However, this concert was undoubtedly special and contains sections which are likely to remain amongst the greatest pieces RMI ever produce. The set as a whole has a beguiling nature which cajoles the listener into pondering matters related to time and space. The sequential structures could almost be the pin point reference map of a star strewn galaxy, while the sublime Mellotron and ethereal guitar work weave a nebulous cloud of sound which constantly changes shape and focus.
'Skeletope' deserves particular praise with its nigh on perfect use of electronic sounds and atmospherics, including samples of Jodrell Bank signals bounced off the moon during early experiments. There is a comforting assurance creeping into RMI's work which is leading many people, including myself, to ponder whether there really is any limit to this band's potential.
