Short Reviews [Malcolm Galloway - 2014 - "Kaleidoscope for Ensemble"]

Malcolm is of course best-known within prog circles as being the man behind Hats Off Gentlemen It’s Adequate. However, as well as the more angular and rocky approach of that band he has also been working as a minimalist classical composer. This 2014 release features just one piece, and is just 8 minutes long and written for a virtual ensemble including strings, keyboard instruments, marimba and harp. With interwoven melodies being repeated many times, it is easy for the listener to fall into an almost trancelike-state while listening to this, with the key change being both simple and dramatic. The piece seems far longer than the actual length, yet also seems way too short, but as an introduction to the composer I found it fresh and engaging.