Last May some of us “old workhorsers” were soothed and impressed in equal measure by the subtle shades of tone in Dewey Mahood’s “Fabric of Life”. As “Plankton Wat” Mr. Mahood returns triumphant with 10 tracks that layer guitar, synth, keyboard and assorted sounds of the universe.

While all pieces on this release are primarily guitar based instrumentals, there is considerable variation. Layers of reverb, effects laden electrics, smoothing bass, strummed guitar and myriad keyboards give the tracks very different complexions.

Opener “Toward the Golden City” mixes sixties style groovy hooks with some high flying organ threads tethered on a long line to this grounded acoustic riff.

In “Changing Winds” following an initial minute or so of peaceful reverb, soaring distortion comes like the noisy guest at a small gathering moving in and out of the room.

Mr. Mahood and his collaborators shift the focus constantly. Some tracks are concise and have clear structure like the superb “Empire Mines” with its ‘Spaghetti Western’ opening and post-rock noise interruptions or “Western Lament” where fast-moving, delicate, picked arpeggios echo around.

Yet – others are like improvisations. Take the closing piece “Siskiyou Caverns”, a field of textures, beams and tremors cascade – although you never feel that there’s no purpose –  this piece moves steadily, always upwards and onwards to a fading climax of distortion and feedback.

“Plankton Wat” tour parts of Europe this September, alas no Irish dates – (this time).

Released on September 17, 2013; pre-order “Drifter’s Temple” here.

https://soundcloud.com/thrilljockey/plankton-wat-fabric-of-life