Latest CD releases reviewed

HULK
Silver Thread of Ghosts Osaka ***

Thomas Haugh is the incredible Hulk in this particular frame, a Dublin-based producer whose sights are firmly set on creating a succession of sweet, subtle and moody electronic sounds. As with all minimalist endeavours, it can often prove to be as difficult to omit things as it is to include, but Haugh displays a sure touch when it comes to combing textures and streamlining sounds without everything losing its shape and falling apart. Some spine-tingling cello lines from Kevin Murphy and acoustic guitar whispers from Rohan Hennessy take away from the bare look and also leave Haugh free to concentrate on painstakingly perfecting his atmospheres and ambiences. Naturally, there's little grandstanding to be found here, save the occasional passage (especially on We Swam, and Star Bed) where Haugh lets the light in to counteract the shade. Highly impressive. www.osaka.ie Jim Carroll