Mesmerise

Released some months after Whirlpool, Mesmerise is another Chapterhouse high point, probably the most unified and note-perfect of its various EPs and singles. The title track is a beautiful, gentle doze, with a gentle piano line leading into a heavy synth bass rumble and soft dance beat. Vocals float over and through the mix just so, caressing the chorus in lovely harmony, as more keyboards and guitar chime along. "Precious One" brings some specifically Cocteaus-sounding guitar to the party, but otherwise the general pace and feeling, accentuated by a neat synth line buried in the mix, remains the same. "Summer Chill" mostly consists of a heavily produced guitar wash, with light percussion down deep and vocals carrying the melody through the attractive fog. "Then We'll Rise" ends the EP on a fine note, an acoustic/electric guitar combination that has a quiet sort of an anthemic feel to it, thanks to the slightly more forceful drums. Still, the quiet singing confirms that this is still Chapterhouse being itself. ~ Ned Raggett