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Heard Gripe Hrusan is Anglo-Saxon for 'the fast hold of the earth' (i.e. the grave?), and the line appears in the poem known as "The Ruin". A version of this text is available here. Presumably this poem is where Philip Legard found his inspiration for the title of this collection of Xenis Emputae Travelling Band archival recordings from 2004 and 2005. These seven tracks were released on a well layed-out CD-R by 23 Productions this year.
Since these are archival tracks, they don't fit with one special theme as expressed on a regular XETB album. However, these are certainly not leftovers, for each track is on a level at least equal to those on other releases. As usual, a myriad of instruments and sounds is displayed, and the atmosphere is very familiar and comparable to that of Legard's other work. He is very consistent in being able to call forth the hidden mystique and stories of the (English) landscape in a truly unique musical setting.
Now to give a few impressions. The first track is a beautiful short intro on a zither-like instrument. "Elmias" is a mysterious track borne by accordion and layered flute, backed by tambourine. The amazing "An Awakening" is a track not to be missed. Evolving softly from a serene beginning with various instruments and samples, it launches into a frenzied ritual dance. The like is not often heard on XETB releases, but this is truly magical! "Yellow Lady" is a gentle solo for banjo, slightly manipulated. "Chambers of the East" is a darker piece for guitar, flute and violin. "Master of the Wheel" is again a bit different, with pipes, accordion and flute delivering a slightly droning melody, but a vaguely longing wordlesss voice drifting over it all. "Lichen Virgin" is a track very low in volume, with distant strummings and soft flute. At the end, the effects and rhymthmic sounds reach a crescendo, together with the now distorted string plucking.
Despite this album being 'just' a collection of loose tracks, it is examplary for the huge talent of Phil Legard and Xenis Emputae Travelling Band. It shows a variety of sounds, all evoking parts of a magical world hidden behind a veil of modernity and civilisation, but which can be grasped a little through communion with the environment. And, by listening to music like this. An excellent release, and perhaps one of the best ones to get to know the music of Xenis Emputae Travelling Band.
O.S.
Since these are archival tracks, they don't fit with one special theme as expressed on a regular XETB album. However, these are certainly not leftovers, for each track is on a level at least equal to those on other releases. As usual, a myriad of instruments and sounds is displayed, and the atmosphere is very familiar and comparable to that of Legard's other work. He is very consistent in being able to call forth the hidden mystique and stories of the (English) landscape in a truly unique musical setting.
Now to give a few impressions. The first track is a beautiful short intro on a zither-like instrument. "Elmias" is a mysterious track borne by accordion and layered flute, backed by tambourine. The amazing "An Awakening" is a track not to be missed. Evolving softly from a serene beginning with various instruments and samples, it launches into a frenzied ritual dance. The like is not often heard on XETB releases, but this is truly magical! "Yellow Lady" is a gentle solo for banjo, slightly manipulated. "Chambers of the East" is a darker piece for guitar, flute and violin. "Master of the Wheel" is again a bit different, with pipes, accordion and flute delivering a slightly droning melody, but a vaguely longing wordlesss voice drifting over it all. "Lichen Virgin" is a track very low in volume, with distant strummings and soft flute. At the end, the effects and rhymthmic sounds reach a crescendo, together with the now distorted string plucking.
Despite this album being 'just' a collection of loose tracks, it is examplary for the huge talent of Phil Legard and Xenis Emputae Travelling Band. It shows a variety of sounds, all evoking parts of a magical world hidden behind a veil of modernity and civilisation, but which can be grasped a little through communion with the environment. And, by listening to music like this. An excellent release, and perhaps one of the best ones to get to know the music of Xenis Emputae Travelling Band.
O.S.