Oh man..... I don't even know where to start. OK, Vine Sweetland isn't so much a band, more of an orchestral arrangement (there are 20 musicians and 40+ instruments). This demo is just 1 song which clocks in at just under 74 MINUTES (thanks for choosing me for this review Sean) and is about ' A dying guru who inspires a young caterpillar with his final vision of life's ambition'.

In the beginning, it is almost reminiscent of Jim Morrison's spoken word work before changing in to an Indian ethnic piece. 10 minutes later, it is a beautiful flute lead piece... why am I being so choppy-changey?.... well I am following the album. Although moulded together beautifully, it is more like a whole album of songs joined together rather then 1 long piece of music.... and this get me to thinking.... what’s the point?

15 minutes in, and on to another spoken word segment, being told over the sound off the wind. Then it is on to a violin based piece.... I know how this may sound, but you know the music they play in an Indian restaurant during your meal? It is a bit like that but without the repetitive edge. Now don't get me wrong, I LIKE Indian music and Indian fusion. Banghra is very cool, and people from Future Sound Of Bengal right down to 60's star Ravi Shankar have earned respect.... and this CD in no way a disgraceful effort.... in fact, musically it is quite brilliant.

50 minutes later, and we are down to the last 5 minutes with the album culminating in an upbeat fashion before one of the best dying song sounds ever where it seems like everything just got turned off before a spoken word/dying scene. The whole thing ends with the guy who did the 'narrative' part of the album talking to you for 10 seconds like a 'Party Political Broadcast'.... surreal.

All in all, I think if this CD was split into sections, then it would be fantastic, but everything being put in one large chunk is just too much for this reviewer. If you love the spoken word style of the Morrisons or Steinman-Lowe and like Indian ethnics and are also persistent enough to listen to it all in one sitting, then check this out.. you won't be disappointed.

Footnote :- A word has to be said for some of the spoken word stuff.... there are very few songs that can incorporate 'ritualistic debauchery' in their lyrics.