On This Planet reflects Steve’s other, much more visceral and rhythmic sound explorations.
This is a collection of music recorded in live performances and Steve describes it as “carved from the live experience” and that he wanted to capture the intensity released in that situation.
The music starts with a thunderstorm before various voices and other noises slowly emerge. A poem is spoken, a bullroarer sends out its call and a strong rhythm kicks in. There is a lot of sound sources such as ocarinas, grinding stones, drums and rain sticks on the CD mixing with the rhythms to create a very tribal soundscape.
The title track, last on the CD, has Steve playing with guest musicians Patrick O’Hearn, Roger King and Omar Faruk Tekbilek and is a great slab of musical improvisation creating something more than the sum of its parts.
This is a great CD as it shows the various threads of Steve’s musical journey and is a hugely enjoyable listen.
