A fascinating and entrancing invitation to visit regions of brainspace not often touched upon, this self-released cdr hasn?t left my CD player since its arrival. The Glass Shivers appear to hail from Providence RI, yet don?t expect hyperactive or macho displays of instrumental prowess here. Instead what you get is a mysteriously intriguing journey into softly induced psychosis and glassy-eyed dreamstates. The best part is that this trio never takes the easy path to other worlds. Instead of pummeling us over the head with the obvious and well-trodden ways, we?re coaxed along quietly. Before realizing I was being led, I just fell into line, waiting patiently to find the pot of gold at the other end. Improvised electronic and acoustic sounds loom and lurk, but never in menacing ways. This is a supremely gentle trip to inner space, one that has a beautiful view at each point along the way.

Synth action, shortwave radio hints, shimmering melodic lines, resonant hums, glitches and drones are all evident, but each used so sparingly you may never realize what hit you. Parts of the Glass Shivers? world remind me of DC?s wonderful Microknytes, but this fine example of analog fuckery plays a more spacious and beautiful game and ups the ante tenfold. It?s a classic example of less being more and a reminder that music can still transport. Even the length of this thing works in its favor. At a mere 26 minutes, to say this is a teaser for the next set is a full-blown and ridiculous understatement. But my frustration at not having more to dig into was quickly abated as I started to think of ?Forest Floor? as a perfectly proportioned meal, one that makes you crave it all over again. Your repeat button on the cd player may not forgive you, but your ears certainly will. It?s a brain puzzler to me how this could be their debut release. The level of sophistication and telepathic communication going on between these guys is a joy to behold. The final track, ?Sixteen Snakes? remains a favorite here, but they?re all winners. If you?re convinced more by restraint and subtlety than brute force, you?ll follow these guys wherever they?re headed and emerge a believer. I?m already there. 8/10 -- Eric Hardiman (3 October, 2007)