EDWARD KA-SPEL TANITH AND THE LION TREE DOUBLE ALBUM FLESH EATING ANTS RELEASE: JUNE 28, 2002 REVIEW: JULY 7, 2002

Edward Ka-Spel known to us as the lead singer of Legendary Pink Dots as well as the side project The Tear Garden (with Skinny Puppy members). "Tanith and the Lion Tree" was a solo project that was released in 1991. It was Ka-Spel's aim to have his collection released on vinyl. This never happened originally as the record company (Roadrunner Records/Third Mind Records) declined on a vinyl release as they saw no future for the music product format back when CD:s were bringing in more profits.
The story of this re-release starts with "Tanith and the Lion Tree" being a favourite of upstart Flesh Eating Ants Records exec Brad. He enjoyed the CD so much he went further to help realize it to its intended vinyl format. The shear weight of this platter is awesome at 220g and gray in colour. Extra points for the direct metal mastering and manufacturing quality of this double set. It's limited to 512 hand numbered copies. The original album has been remastered and mildly reworked by Ka-Spel himself to better suit the vinyl format.
This double disc covers work from the middle of Ka-Spel's solo career. Included are the original bonus tracks "Phoney War" and "Old Man Trouble" that were recorded when USA's Gulf War was raging in the early 1990's. Exclusive material on disk two are recordings done by Ka-Spel on September 11, 12 and 13, 2001. Seems fitting to have these 5 songs together with similar inspiration after ten years. "Diary (11th to 13th)" seem to have no beginning or end as you'll find the platter spinning quietly to realize it's over. The slow waves and fades feel magical yet somber in mood. Whether it be for fan, collectors, vinyl junkies or first time explorists, "Tanith and the Lion Tree" can be enjoyed for many reasons.

ALEX VERONAC