Arriving in a sewn scrap of majestic-deer-in-woods wallpaper, Breathing Flowers’ “Audiomancy” makes for a handsome package. Inside, along with the cassette is a small flower bud, which is a well placed touch. “Audiomancy” is a run of just 50 tapes and I can understand why; these must have taken an eternity to assemble. The best part about this artifact (if the term applies it must be something ceremonial being unearthed; maybe a headdress) is that the music it contains exceeds the expectations it builds.

Breathing Flowers is McKinley Jones, whose work here is mostly guitar based. Sometimes heavily treated with effects and sometimes just a few layered acoustics making pagan shadows, the instrument is both dowsing rod and antenna. Side one begins with a nest of gemlike echoes and segues a hypnotic, byzantine acoustic interlude. The side ends with rusted, hermetic meadowtaping that resembles a less decayed Xiphiidae.

Flip it over and hear pulsing organ drones supporting a coiled guitar improvisation. The tape ends on a woodsy and fanciful ballad that leisurely radiates rich autumnal hues. Despite a 20 minute run time that feels even shorter, “Audiomancy” is brimming with ideas, touching equally on drone, dark psychedelia, Tolkien-ish fantasy, and forest ambience. I’m very glad that Jones’ latest contribution to occulture exists and is apparently still available. 9/10 -- Mike Pursley (28 April, 2010)