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Only Mark Beasley remains of the original line-up, augmented by the massed ranks of Delicate AWOL, and together they create vast, beautiful soundscapes of such depth and texture and delicacy. The first piece is called 'Red Cells', a dusty symphony of chiming guitars and windswept trumpet that proves to be merely the prelude to something far more intricate. 'I Sense You Fading Away' ushers in an epic storm of guitar and brass that builds ominously around a wall of piercing feedback and rumbling dual bass, only to fade in an instant. Much of Rothko's set resembles an open workshop, a rare chance to see their organic splendour being created rather than just played. Each song doesn't actually go very far, but with myriad layers of atmosphere and so many little cameos, it is never anything less than enthralling. 'On The Day We Said Goodbye' is the only song to feature Caroline's soft vocals, while Mark's bass and those big cymbals roll menacingly around her. Then she swaps places with the drummer, taking up the mini-cymbals, while he plays her guitar with a bow, and finally Caroline picks up a flute for one final moment of gorgeous, expansive noise. You might never have thought it possible, but Rothko have returned even better than ever. ...And so to further indignity for Stars Of The Lid on their jinxed UK tour, tonight sabotaged by blown amps, and samplers sending electric shocks flashing across the stage. Manfully, they eventually soldier on, even if this sort of curtailed set appears to be more than just a coincidence around the country. Once may be unfortunate but twice, three times, is careless. Still, their sonic aurora makes for a fascinating experience; just two techno-geeks pouring over what remains of their equipment, their backs to the audience, creating a beautiful soundtrack to the Northern Lights. These are symphonies of the deep, requiems for the unexplored oceans, an orchestral drone shot through with great bolts of metallic feedback, while in the background images of windswept forests and ghostly ships glide past. Just a shame that it only lasted 15 minutes... Steve |