'Maybe Reality, One Day' on Room Thirteen:

Essex three piece Crucible have produced something a little different from the norm with the lengthy single release of 'Maybe Reality, One Day'.

'Maybe Reality, One Day' is a mellow affair with a menacing undercurrent that eventually breaks out two minutes into this six minute opus. There are shades of later Porcupine Tree & Pineapple Thief in there but without the urgency. It's very laid back and builds slowly but it's a good, atmospheric and brooding song. Not particularly commercial but then this kind of music always works best when it doesn't pander to the expected.

The kookily titled 'Bubble Tea' is a different proposition altogether, featuring a shuffle beat it's as much Alison Moyet as it is Barrett/Ayers. Interesting nonetheless but after the big sounding lead track it doesn't have the same impact. It does move into a more electric driven ending about four minutes down the line and it does grow on you, suggesting that Crucible have something going on.

Andrew Latham.

Rated 9 out of 13.

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