The UK duo of the brothers Mark and Clive Ives, as Woo, put out this debut album in 1982 and were clearly ahead of their time with their experimental ideas. This reissue is remastered and repackaged with bonus material for a bigger helping of their unclassifiable approach.

The atmospheric and rhythmic “Swingtime” opens with a playful energy that tips its hat to New Age and electronica and showcases playful bass lines. “Pokhara + C.H. Revisited” then takes that a step further with plenty of percussive ideas and some mystery, while “The Cleaner” is more focused on guitar via the light and poetic ambience.

Getting into the middle of the original album, “The Attic” is one of the few moments with vocals, which are used softly amid a distinct dreaminess, but it’s the mesmerizing and tranquil gestures of “Razorblades” that will lull anyone into some form of serenity thanks to its jazzy flavor.

Deeper still, the spacey versus organic strumming of “Life In Shadows” emits rich vibes, and the title track finishes the original album with a pretty and lush folk appeal.

The bonus album compiles rare tracks from the ’70s and ’80s. “Tibetan Trains” indeed touches on Eastern influences in its harmonic and meticulous delivery, and “Baa Lambs” incorporates bells around the charming acoustic guitar. “The Very End Of The Attic” finishes this portion with airy synth and a reflective mood that’s enlightening.

Woo have consistently released albums since this one and are still active to this day. This first album struck a chord with ears for the unconventional, where folk, jazz, pop, electronic, psychedelic and ambient sounds are fueled by clarinet, layered guitars, keyboards, synth, drum machines, singing bowls and manual percussion.

Very few bands truly have their own sound, but Woo are one of them, which is a big part of why it’s easy to be enamored with them.

Rating: B+

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