Panoramic Recordings, an imprint of New Focus Recordings, releases Scott Lee's Through the Mangrove Tunnels: A genre-straddling work, inspired by Lee’s experiences growing up exploring the swamps and bayous of Florida...

I've lost count of the number of new classical albums we've received for review where the title alludes to something much more interesting than the music we end up with. In most cases the pieces have no real connection at all to the title - other than in the composer's or marketing department's mind. Thankfully, Scott Lee's Through the Mangrove Tunnels pretty much transports us to a mysterious and eerie mangrove swamp.

At times it's unsettling, at others it's comforting, but these 8 tracks (45 min, 34 sec) are anything but dull. There are elements that wouldn't feel out of place in a horror movie, as Lee unsettles the listener by delivering the cliches of conventional horror music, but adding originality to the mix. How can anyone not be unnerved by 'The Man in the Water'?

'Playthings of Desire' incorporates elements, again from cinema, that sound similar to the soundtracks to old black and white silent movies. Meanwhile, 'The Ballad of Willie Cole' has a story everyone can get behind - without even knowing what that story is. This is probably the most accessible piece on the album.

While this won't appeal to everyone, there's real emotion at the heart of these pieces, which are beautifully performed.

8

Darren Rea