THE NOISE, SILVER CIRCLE REVIEW, JULY 1999


REFLECTING SKIN (self-release) Haley 11-song CD

I fell in love with this disc the first time I listened to it. Reflecting Skin's Haley is an incredible collection of songs and instrumental interludes that flows like a majestic river providing life support to the inhabitants of its banks. It's the revered friend that I knew I had, but I had always been yet to meet. Each of Reflecting Skin's members contributed invaluable performances in the studio, giving engineer John Breglia (ex-Common Ailments of Maturity) and ...[engineer] Bruce McFarlane (currently playing drums with Cathode) a chance to shine in the creation of this impeccable 54-minute masterpiece. Leah Chandra has a mesmerizing voice and a gifted sense of lyricism, and she knows how to use these. Leah possesses a very unique vocal style, which sometimes suggests influences by Kate Bush or Patti Smith, but more often suggests only an intangible supernatural power. Christian Gilbert creates a vast array of textures with his acoustic and electric guitar work and sampling loops. Alex Milne bows and picks his electric bass with invention and finesse. Dave McFarland plays his drums and various percussion instruments with an unorthodox, often tribal feel. Reflecting Skin's Haley is a celebration of rich sounds, luxuriant rhythms, and cool smooth melodies. It's like a filter that allows only the best memories to fill my head, but lets me glimpse into an unblemished future spent in harmony with the most perfect creature. It's like an entree that combines several wholly unfamiliar ingredients with many favorites, tastes completely unlike anything I've had before, and becomes a new favorite upon my first bite. If I could choose only one CD to listen to for the rest of my life, Reflecting Skin's Haley would be that one. (2000 Joe Browns)