Six Organs of Admittance took a huge step forward with
Dark Noontide -- the second full-length from the essentially one-man acoustic project -- without completely abandoning the sound of its predecessor. While still operating within a tradition that includes such blues/raga guitarists as
John Fahey and
Sandy Bull,
Dark Noontide brings vocals to a more prominent position on songs like "Spirits Abandoned" and "This Hand." Connecting these more song-oriented outings are perfectly paced drones and ambient field recordings that are enjoyable on their own merits. Working within a very limited framework -- essentially solo guitar and four-track manipulations --
Six Organs is able to explore a surprising variety of moods and textures on
Dark Noontide.