Re-winding The Broken Memory Machine

By: Major Snagg

Reviewed by: Drew

An Amazing Mystery Tour

A mix of imagination and nostalgia

Major Snagg is the solo project of British independent composer, songwriter, guitarist and producer David Briggs. His latest cd, Re-winding The Broken Memory Machine, is a complimentary mix of originals and covers; some of the 16 tracks are instrumentals, others are with vocals. Whilst many cds become predictable after the first few tracks, this cd takes some well-crafted twists and turns and is thoroughly entertaining throughout. It has a variety of original creative, conceptual music, interspersed with a little familiarity and nostalgia. There are atmospheric and haunting soundscapes, a surprise folk tune, classic rock/pop and some of the best covers I've heard in a long while.

I was immediately impressed by the first track The Shipping Forecast (Long Wave Only); whilst the music paints a vivid picture of the sea with its ebbing and flowing bass work and inventive guitar playing, a remote voice providing the shipping forecast weaves in and out. I was then taken on a nostalgic journey through 3 classic instrumental cover songs. Although they remain faithful to the originals, David adds his own sparkle to the performance, particularly with his stunning and versatile guitar playing; a feature throughout the the cd. Ionian Gold is an original composition and a tantalising mix highlighting a beautiful guitar tone. I was also impressed by the bass line which achieves far more than merely being a link between melody and rhythm section. At this point there is a surprise; A Scottish Soldier's Lament is a vocally led classic folk tale featuring notable guitar work and very engaging expressive vocals.

The next four tracks are examples of great instrumental composition. I was mesmerised by Gormenghast Mountain and the Twisted Woods, a blend of magical, mystical sounds and instruments which includes some superb piano. This track has an indefinable eeriness that communicates on another level. The Stone Lanes is even darker and expertly arranged with its rhythmic middle section. It certainly stirs the imagination and its subtleties meant that I was captivated not only by what I could hear, but what I thought I could hear!

The cd takes another turn with Kinky Fool, a retro-style Brit-rock instrumental which hints heavily at the treat to follow; a cover of that well-known Kinks hit Victoria. This was brilliantly performed and produced with the vocals encompassing all the audacity of a young Ray Davies. The next track, Landscape Gardeners and Nurserymen, an original written by David's ex-band mate Eddy Lockwood, is an offbeat, quirky, slightly psychedelic number and illustrates David's abilities as an all-round musician, vocalist and producer. A strange track that is instantly lovable.

The cd is completed with 3 very different instrumentals and once again demonstrates David Briggs' signature guitar tone, smooth, expressive playing and sheer craftsmanship.

A first class variety of tracks, everyone will find something to enjoy on this cd - great value for money, highly creative, imaginative and entertaining originals, along with some superb covers.

Best Track(s)

The Shipping Forecast, The Girl From Ipanema (Bossa Nova Medley), Gormenghast Mountain and the Twisted Woods, The Stone Lanes, Victoria, Landscape Gardeners and Nurserymen

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