This column reviews albums & singles released worldwide (i.e. not in a particular country). If your company wants an album reviewed on these pages, then you should read this. If you are in an unsigned band & you'd like your demo tape or CD reviewed, you should go here instead.

Not too sure on the history behind this act, but the music here is a superb blend of both electronic dance & a sort of folk-ish feel to the songwriting. Really grabbing my interest was the liner note about the Australian embassy having canceled his visa & that some of the songs on the album relate to that experience.

Bearing a truly astonishing vocal resemblance to U2's Bono on the opening title track, we begin a fascinating journey through a number of dance styles, but tracks like "Sensitive", the darker edges of "Sarajevo" & the jungly beats of both "Desire Machine" & "Stream Of Consciousness" are definite picks, as is the closing version of the title track, which stretches things out & slows the pace somewhat. A definite case for visa cancellations if this is the result, quite outstanding.

For more information, write to 25 Records, PO Box 3006, Poole, BW12 2HU, UK or markbr@lds.co.uk

TONY GARONE - THE EPIC OF GILGAMESH

Although listed under Tony Garone's name, the immensely complex project here is the work of 16 different musicians from around the world, working through the facilities offered by the Internet & through the MP3 format, to create 16 songs which are exceptionally diverse.

The opening track is simply called "Gilgamesh" & is a rousing semi rock track, sliding easily into the Eastern feel of tracks like "Uruk" & the intensity of the guitars behind "The Bull Of Heaven", which is a stunning piece of music. While I only vaguely know of the original Gilgamesh story, which is an exceptionally old piece of literature, I expect this remarkable project runs faithfully to the line of the story. There's a lot here to explore & it's well worth extending your listening to include it.

For more information, write to PO Box 3218, Gilbert, AZ 85299, USA or tony@garone.net

KALEIDOSCOPE - EARTHMOVER

A great Australian band who have already made a fairly huge impression with their previous single Slot Car Slut, Kaleidoscope are certainly nothing if not consistent, again releasing an outstanding piece of pop perfection from the 3 piece outfit.

The title track is definitely the focal track here, but I reckon there's a definite advantage in checking out the energetic bonus track "Mirror", which has a great vocal piece out front from Kylie Cowling, while my pick is the somewhat softer sound of "Sleeping", which has a hypnotic sort of quality to it. This single is more evidence that there's a killer album on the way. We can only hope & wait.

For more information, write to kaleidoscope@tpg.com.au

JACK KID - ESPRESSO ECSTASY

Coming out of New Hampshire in the US, Jack Kid has an acoustic style that runs across folk & to blues. I'm not sure how long Jack's been performing, but the sounds here ring of someone who's been performing for quite some time. The album runs across 13 tracks & sort of builds towards the end.

The opening few tracks, particularly "Dandelion" & "Ghost In The Family" are great listening numbers, but the show really kicks in with "Flu Blues", "St Louis Breaks" & especially "Lockerbie". There's definitely something that draws you into each of the songs mentioned & you ought to take the time to get into them.

For more information, write to PO Box 151, Hancock, NH 03449, USA or jack@jackkid.com

CLARA LANDAU - BLONDE STIRRINGS

The second release I've come across from US based artist Clara Landau & what I believe is her second outing in any case, Blonde Stirrings is a somewhat evolved sound, the result of quite some work on her behalf, in conjunction with some very competent backing musicians as well.

Again on this album, Clara's voice is excellent, even better than on her last album, possible assisted by some even better material than before. In particular, standouts here are the old Gershwin classic "Summertime", a Landau original called "Blonde & Blue" & "Baby Grand". Obviously a growing talent that's been in hiding.

For more information, write to Lady Wolf Music, PO Box 30212, Knoxville, TN 37930, USA or clara@planetc.com

DAVID STEINHART - CLEAN

A great album from a US based artist I've not heard of before, but this is apparently his 3rd solo outing & it certainly shows on the tracks featured here, which are all well worth taking a listen to, but there are certain tracks which stand out.

The opening cut "Not So Smart" is definitely one track to take notice of, which immediately showcases David's vocal talents to good effect, but more outstanding are both my pick "Waiting For That Ride", which has a very catchy feel, as well as both Cold" & "The Cat Song". Style wise, David's music is based largely around his vocals & accompaniment by a number of instruments, with the acoustic guitar & a lush production style assisting the great end result. More than interesting, this is somewhat compelling.

For more information, write to Stonegarden Records, 3101 Exposition Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90018, USA

MILES TILLMAN - UNDERLAND EP

As nearly as I can tell, a solo artist coming out of the US, with a sound that's not too far removed from the sound of an instrumental Depeche Mode, though perhaps that's a little vague I guess. Apparently only first starting off some time in 1996, this is really the sound of a more established artist than that time frame might indicate.

Along the length of the ep, there's some great ambience happening on a few tracks, while the title track is something akin to the sounds heard on the Blade Runner film soundtrack, but there are other moments that move more towards the more traditional electro feel of modern songs, like on "Mother / Father", but the pick here is the epic closer "Derail", which has a very cool melodic feel & rounds out a very accomplished debut. If you like electronic sounds, then this is really going to appeal.

For more information, write to Submarine Records, PO Box 5855, Atlanta, Georgia, 31107, USA

WOLVERINES - 65 ROSES

Having been around for quite a while, Wolverines have gained themselves quite a profile in the country music scene around Australia, touring quite heavily & running a pretty hectic sort of schedule, along with helping fundraise for charities.

This latest project for the band is a pretty slick piece of work from the band, the title track which opens up being about a boy that couldn't pronounce Cystic Fibrosis, a disease which afflicted his sister. While the song is performed well, I found the band's own composition "Can Somebody Help" a far better track. Whatever the case, the reasons behind this single make it one that you should put your support behind.

For more information, write to ACMEC Records, PO Box 393, Erindale Mail Centre, ACT 2903, Australia or a.plaing@interact.net.au or wolve@wolverines.com.au