Eugene Carchesio & Leighton Craig
Leaves
Naturestrip CD

Available through the Helen Scarsdale Agency: $12.00

     "Leaves" was easily one of 2004's best, and I ranted and raved about its brilliance to anyone who would listen. My hope was that someone would take notice and give the damn thing a proper reissue. Well, that's exactly what happened thanks to Joel Stern and Hamish Sinclair at the always great Naturestrip imprint. They've just reissued "Leaves" in all its glory on CD, so those who missed out on the first one, will finally get a chance to bathe in its glow.
Here's what I wrote in 2004 when I originally reviewed the CD-R:
     I will sing the praises of the Kindling label to anyone who will listen. So now that I've got your attention... "Leaves" is very limited CD-R release from Kindling kingpin, Leighton Craig, and his partner-in-crime, Eugene Carchesio. These two artists have been doing some of the most interesting solo work in Brisbane for some time. Craig is also a member of the magnificent group, The Lost Domain. On "Leaves," we find the duo taking their act outside and exploring new methods of interacting with the ambience of nature. Over the course of 34 minutes, Craig & Carchesio create a solemn atmosphere that will relax your mind and soothe your nerves. These 11 tracks are brilliant. Cicadas chirp alongside recorder whirls and banjo plucks. Many of these pieces are minimalist in approach and execution, but that does not mean there is little happening. It shows how well these two understand that when you're playing with Mother Nature as the third member of your group, sometimes you need to just quiet down and let her do most of the work. The most magnificent track, though, is the opening piece. Craig plays the organ and Carchesio picks an acoustic guitar. It hints at dark clouds overhead and torrential rains ominously looking on. But you feel at peace. This is so beautiful I can barely stand it. There is a bit of a Jewelled Antler vibe here, but this trumps just about every great thing I've heard from that label. "Leaves" should be released in a much wider format. This is too amazing to go unheard by more people. This is Craig & Carchesio's masterwork, and will instantly give you the sensation that you are outside, breathing the delicious Australian air. Highly, highly recommended." -- Brad Rose / Foxy Digitalis