Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

The amazing Mr Millett's ninth album since 1989. Perhaps there will be a 'Best Of The Secret Archives' compilation one day. Or even a live album to follow on from the debut concert at the Cross Rhythms Festival. These are exciting times in the South Croydon branch of the Holy See. But what of this album? "Nasrani" is Arabic and means "follower of the Nazarene". The tape has an Arabic feel to it. As the composer comments, "I've found that dance music vocals and Irish folk songs all sound kind of Arabic when played backwards. Very handy for me as I don't know any Arabic girly singers." As you might have gathered, Vince does not take himself too seriously. That is not to say that the music is not professional. There is skilful musicianship a-plenty and sound quality is excellent. The grand tour of world music could get, shall we say, pompous were it not for Mr Millett's tongue being placed in his cheek at the right moment. Here, for example, is his comment on "Godric's Iron Corset", the opening track on side two: "St Godric was a pirate who became a monk. Whenever he had a sinful thought he would don his iron corset and stand in the river until the urge passed. I've tried it - it doesn't work!" 'Nasrani' marks a definite progression in the weird but rather wonderful world of the Secret Archives.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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