This beautifully
adorned EP is a titillating relic from the weird-psych underground.
I first encountered Sone Institute aka Roman Bezdyk in
the form of his terrific contribution to the Dust Wind Tales label's inaugural
compilation, and this curious artefact picks up where it left off.
The record opens with the unbearably beautiful "Steps to the Sun
(Part 2)," which is a mesmerizing amalgam of psych and post-rock
that sounds like Tarwater's best moments distilled. "On Tree
Hill," meanwhile, marries a sixties British Invasion organ sample to
thrift-shop detritus and loungey schmaltz - the sort of thing you'd
hear on mid-day WFMU. "London Heir" continues the exploits,
employing scads of old skipping lounge records to conjure up a
mystifyingly anachronistic atmosphere.
The remainder of the
album continues with the uniquely intoxicating formula, its only
misstep being the forgettable "Hobbyhorse." By the time the
enchanting closer winds down, you'll be left breathless. Taken
together, this far-too-brief EP is a terrific bit of home-recorded
weirdness - despite its experimental nature, the entire thing is
remarkably listenable and intensely original. Superlatives excused,
Silver Leaves & Woolly Dreams is the most successful
home-produced EP I've heard in ages.