Richard Youngs & Simon Wickham-Smith – 20 Years [LP/3CD]

""20 Years" is a celebration of 20 years of music from Richard and Simon, featuring 4 previously unreleased albums. The set includes an all new LP, "20 Years," that is the first new vinyl from R!!! and S!!! in almost 15 years. The other three projects presented here on CD were all completed and intended for release by the duo during their prolific 1990's, but fell by the wayside for various reasons.

"20 Years" is a newly recorded LP, and is one of the heaviest, most uncompromising records of Richard and Simon's long career. The record consists of 8 electro-acoustic reworkings of their first (unreleased) recording from 1987, and is a blistering set of tracks as wild and weird as anything they've ever recorded.

"SMIRR" consists of 4 epic instrumentals in the vein of classics such as "LAKE" and "Asthma and Diabetes," flowing with extended grandeur, mixing drone and eccentric instrumentation in the duo's immediately identifiable style.

"Songphase" is a record of 10 simple, lovely tunes - a reminder of the duo's considerable "trad" songwriting and performing prowess. While Richard has worked some in this style in his solo efforts, hearing Simon match him song for song is a revelation. "Dream Song" is among Richard's most moving pieces ever.

Finally, "LIVE!!!" is a head-scratcher of a live album, recorded live in-studio in full on Dada-ist style. Features extended clavinet mania, Casio jams, and plenty of outre' expression."

VHF, 2018