Bamboo, the ongoing project from Nick Carlisle (of Peepholes, Don't Argue) and Rachel Horwood (of Trash Kit, Halo Halo) release their second studio album, The Dragon Flies Away, on Upset The Rhythm. Far from being a side-project, Bamboo is very much a fully realised pursuit, with the band working on multiple records simultaneously from their Brighton and London base camps. Initially released last winter on a limited run of 50 cassettes with an accompanying zine designed by Horwood, The Dragon Flies Away tells a story loosely associated with the Hannya demon mask of Noh theatre plays such as Dojoji, and reflects the range of emotion the Hannya mask is capable of displaying: obsession, jealousy, sorrow and rage. The Dragon Flies Away presents its story in two acts and is now presented newly re-mastered with a gatefold sleeve and lyric / artwork sheet. Horwoods evocative paintings are given centre stage with the packaging, allowing the album's story to grow beyond sound, making the journey all the more immersive. Vivid and deeply poignant, Bamboo's music locks into a magnetic attraction between Horwood's flawlessly resonant folk cadence and Carlisle's pristine synth production. Hannya opens the album in reflective mood with Rachels mournful vocal and echoing banjo that gets swept up by flourishes of percussion and synth- flute vistas. Always Running follows, living up to its name with its propulsive beat and plucked rhythm, building to a chase for Rachels dramatic vocal turn. Like A Sparrow is a beautifully realised track sounding as vulnerable and vociferous as a Kate Bush song. Hes got a path, its straight and narrow, theres no flying off like a sparrow sing Carlisle and Horwood resolutely in unison. Wake Up Your Heart delights in pools of pitch-shifted melody and primal vision. Whilst the final two tracks on the album embrace Carlisles cascading synth lines as pure as ice flows, augmented gong passages and fragile yet impassioned vocalisations. Overall the album feels film-like with its ability to hold the listeners hand and lead them through another world never faltering. Its ambitious and heavy on concept without ever becoming overwrought, preserving its delicate personal tone and lush, spacious sound throughout. During the writing and subsequent release of their debut album, Prince Pansori Priestess, on Upset The Rhythm in December 2015 (5 stars - Record Collector magazine), The Dragon Flies Away was recorded between Spring 2015 and Summer 2016. Bamboo intend to perform this album live in full, and to explore the theatrical potential suggested by the music.
