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A re-release of the debut recording which first appeared on the Reaping Horde record label as a CDR but now comes to us courtesy of the Polish Bunkier Productions label as a limited to 213 copies CDR with additional bonus tracks and new artwork. This Portuguese act (who cut the name down to just The Joy of Nature after this got released), were also responsible for the suitably beguiling release as Post Crash High [read review here]. Combining 13 unnamed tracks over 40 minutes their music draws inspiration from neofolk / classical, ethnic / ritual, dark ambient and post / pre-Industrial music. Inspired they most definitely are.

Hark back to your days of youth. Remember the elation felt on your birthday when you came downstairs to find a mass of presents just waiting for you to be opened. The feelings of un-remitted joy as you tore away the paper uncovering the treasures beneath. Just when you thought things couldn’t get any better you discovered another parcel demanding your attention. Shred… joy, shred… joy… until there were no more presents left. "The fog that life is haunted by" reminded me of those heady happy days. Every track a new discovery. No bitter disillusionments. Every wish fulfilled. A longing for the experience to be endlessly repeated. The difference here being that you can repeat that experience infinitely. You’ll never tire of hearing this recording.

And it’s all to do with the fluid movement of the contrasting music that The Joy of Nature has flawlessly created. Never standing still the music glides with the grace of a ballerina and touch of a butterfly. They utilise a variety of instruments, including guitars, drums, accordion, electronics and others, with field and multiple samples / spoken passages to embrace and enthral the listener into their world. There’s a timeless splendour to the music that borders on raw intense sexuality. A desire to intimately explore every curve and arch with a lovers touch. The music caressing and whispering. Promising so much more and never failing to deliver. The overwhelming desire to please its only goal in life.

A masterpiece in musicianship. A breathtaking achievement. An exhilarating reminder of how music can enrich our lives. Utter bliss spread over 13 tracks. Cruelly limited - but the best works of art normally are.

ANM