Quantumn Soul Machine by Plum Flower Embroidery (2003)

* Please note!!*

This review is no longer accurate. Plum Flower Embroidery likes to change CD running orders and tracks now and again, without prior notice and sometimes at whim. He likes to keep us on our toes. As a result the tracks on QSM have been changed.

The vocal tracks of Cannibal God, Author of Parasitism and Monkey Brand now no longer live on this CD and a few other tracks have been added thus making QSM a purely instrumental CD.

A new review to reflect the changes shall be forthcoming in the New Year, that is unless Mr Plum decides to change the playlist again.

*sigh*

Quantumn Soul Machine takes us into the realms of the dream world. Dark, ethereal sounds of fantasy and sci fi resound throughout the CD which is a collection of both instrumental and vocal tracks.

The second offering from PFE, recorded in 2003, sees a continuation of the industrial sounds that Inhale brought and once again illustrates the stark imagery PFE music can produce. Like its' predecessor, QSM demands much from the listener and is not for those that prefer easily accessible, commercial, fast fashion music. It demands, and deserves, many listens to enable one to fully appreciate and grasp what is being achieved here. However, this is where the similarity between the CD's two end. Unlike the preceding CD, which brought simplicity, vulnerability and certain a unfinished quality, QSM introduces us to the depth and complexity of PFE and one which, at times, creates a claustrophobic and extremely dark atmosphere. We are presented with both instrumental haunting tracks and vocal pieces that somehow create an atmosphere and sense of the hereafter.

Recorded by PFE after a 7 year hiatus since Inhale, QSM introduces us to the full range of instruments, effects and vocal parts that illustrates his unique and often dark side. The overall feel of the CD brings with it a disquieting and unnerving atmosphere that retains a dark, industrial feel which is introduced immediately with the instrumental title track and continues throughout.

Stand out tracks include Stick World, an instrumental piece that has a Kubrick, Bladerunner-esque feel and a piece that would certainly be a worthy soundtrack of such a dark sci fi. Stick World is a simple, yet extremely effective track. Using both electronic and acoustic methods PFE the manages to combine the sounds of the microKORG with that of bent acoustic guitar. What results is a track that conjures up images taking us through the industrial landscape of a future that could be.

Ly is another instrumental track where we are treated to 4 minutes of music which may unnerve those of a more sensitive nature. Using the KORG to full effects and combining these with an hypnotic, percussive beat, PFE creates a world of darkness and disquiet. The distorted operatic sample merely adds to this as we are treated to what I can only describe as something akin to the sounds of opera singers on drugs.

As well as the haunting instrumental tracks, QSM brings us vocal tracks that continue to take us along a dark, ethereal and often confusing path.Author of Parasitism does indeed fit the title as PFE urges the 'author' to ‘leave that poor woman alone’ whilst there is a general feeling that this author will do no such thing. Monkey Brand is, essentially, or so I am informed, a tale of addiction. Acoustic guitar, percussion and KORG effects all blend together in a slightly unbalanced manner, whilst the vocals provide, once again, a haunting feel that presents the listener with a glimpse into the PFE world.

Cannibal God is, for me, THE track of QSM. If there is one track I would advise you to listen to it would be this. All the ingredients we have heard so far on the CD blend together to form this exceptional track. A word of warning, as with much of PFE’s work, it is not a commercial, easy to listen to, smash you and grab you catchy lyrics track! Cannibal God was inspired by the 1978 horror film ‘Slave of the Cannibal God’ with Ursula Andress being the object of desire here (and why not?). The track has layer upon layer of vocals and effects that provide a fitting tribute to Ursula, her lack of clothing in the named film, and the desire of the Cannibal God!

Overall, QSM is not easy listening nor is it meant to be. The atmosphere it creates is disquieting, unnerving and edgy. There is a sense of something akin to being on the edge of madness, waiting fall in. The whole feel is dark and disturbing. Where Inhale can be described as a 'sunny afternoon', QSM is more like a dark, gothic, storm ridden night.