Nick Hoppner, Alex Kassian, and a few talented friends have got together for a mini-LP on Second Circle. Its title, The Big Melt, may well refer to the record’s fusion of genres, its fab Fourth World and kosmische collision. The six tracks simmering percussive patter, sequences and signals. Delicate drones and layer upon layer of groovy guitar work. Cruise spins Manuel Gottsching-esque spirals. A Useful Fever surrounds its drum circle with echo and nocturnal animal noises. Rushes of rapid snares rattling its rainforest / jungle ambience. Azul’s Garden creates a heat haze oasis, adding Hawaiian pedal steel and fretless bass. On Jag Ar Jag gentle tribal timpani combines with a whispered vocal in an atmospheric incantation. While My Tar Gently Weeps moves with Middle Eastern / North African mystery to a hypnotic rhythm that recalls Craig Leon’s Nommo or Nuel’s Vibration.  The psychedelic sonic narcotic showcasing a spellbinding solo on its titular Persian lute.

H.A.N.K.’s The Big Melt can be ordered directly from Second Circle.