Culver - Hand Of Ice - CD (2008)

Labels: Basses Frequences
Review by: Kunal Nandi

Culver is one Lee Stokoe, Newcastle resident and former member of filthy drone rockers Marzuraan. This release is another in a long line of limited CDRs, tapes and sundry ephemera from his drone outfit, but it’s still a valuable addition to his canon. The approach here involves a plangent guitar motif, endlessly repeated, the dour strumming creating a layered, melancholy air. Pulsing drones phase in and out, verrrrrrry gradually building and building. “Hand Of Ice” is a long piece at 47 minutes, and is perhaps a good idea strung out too far, but it’s still a relaxing, if sinister, drift through the ether. Like all Basses Frequences releases, this comes simply and effectively packaged in a neat metal tin.