Regular visitors to ping things will no doubt be familiar with the work of Phil Ogison in a variety of different guises. Whether you know him as a solo artist under the name The Devil in the Design, or collaboratively as part of Subduction Current, A Pretty Sonic Splatter or Harold, Phil is among the most prolific artists in the ping things catalog, consistently releasing quality music that displays equal parts creativity and technical ability. On his latest release, "Behind the Seen", Phil lives up to and surpasses what we've come to expect from him, proving once again that his reputation is well-warranted.

"Conversation with the half-world" opens the disc with a repeated arpeggio doodle, and vaguely Frippertronic-esque guitar work over top a swelling pad. It's quite an engaging opener, something that works rather nicely to set the tone of the disc, a sense of mystery and mysticism, a feeling of drama, tension and secrets being revealed.

"History is Made" uses cataclysmic future shock samples to introduce the track, short loops spinning around a vaguely militaristic melody. Very much in keeping with the drama that has been set by the previous track, "History is Made" builds very effectively on an established feeling of theatricality. Haunting laughter adds a sense of darkness, and the track as a whole leaves me with an uneasy feeling. Don't worry though, I kind of like that unease... About halfway through, the track's established elements give way to a fine example of sequenced Seventies synth work winding around and through some very tasteful guitar work from Mr. Ogison, leading into a more musique concrete flavored third segment comprised of samples and found sounds. Certainly an impressive track and a true highlight of the disc.

The title track "Behind the Seen" follows, a ritualistic piece where steady percussion lays a framework for a slightly menacing orchestral sound. I can't help but feel there's a ceremonial aspect to the piece, a rite to be performed while listening. Very moody, very impressive.

"Isles of Density" closes the disc, a bright and optimistic track that brings a certain level of brightness to balance the previous tracks darkness and menace. Sounds weave and play around each other, looping and circling tones that surround the listener. There's a certain humor to the track, an impish glee that seems fitting for Phil's work. An excellent close to an excellent disc.

Throughout "Behind the Seen" Phil maintains a level of theatricality and tension that translates well to the listener, maintaining interest and moving the disc along to a satisfying and appealing closure. Without question, Phil has raised the bar with this release, setting a new standard by which his future work will be compared. "Behind the Seen" comes highly recommended from ping things.

rik - ping things