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Picture a bleak Arctic landscape punctuated only by the crackle of the Northern Lights off in the distance.  It is this sense of open space and isolation which permeates this disc.  Easily one of the most unique records I have ever heard, Magwheels, the one-man-band of David Sullivan, blends guitar effects and noises to create one of the most edgy, yet ambient albums that I have heard. Equal parts artistic composition and rock music, this will appeal to anyone who wonders what the result of blending _Kid A_-era Radiohead and early Starflyer 59 would be, or to anyone enamored of modern art music (Philip Glass, John Cage, et al).  There are no lyrics; this is a strictly instrumental album.  The layered effect and abstract nature of the album will not appeal to people who listen to music for happy vibes or hummable pop melodies.  If you have a sensitivity to feedback or high frequencies, this album will not appeal to you. While melodies are present, they are draped in layers of guitar effects and noise, and form a theme of a piece without making up each individual piece.

Some of the better tracks on this album are the opening track "Discreet Charm," "Two Sleep Till Three," with its more relaxed, sleepy tone color, the title track, and "According To Birds."  That having been said, every track creates its own mood within the overall sparse, electric landscape created, and I would guess that every listener will likewise find different songs fit his or her taste.  There is nothing here that even comes close to being radio-friendly, and I suspect that this is exactly Sullivan's point.  This album works well whether taken as a collective whole or with reference to its individual tracks.

Alex Klages 2/22/2003