CONJURE ONE CONJURE ONE ALBUM NETTWERK RELEASE: SEPTEMBER 17, 2002 (NORTH AMERICA), LATER/TBA (OTHER TERRITORIES) REVIEW: OCTOBER 5, 2002

Six bloody years in the making. And I'd have waited another six if I knew how truly astounding this album sounded. Rhys Fulber has taken his time to be sure but I have absolutely no qualms about it now that this work of genius is in my hands. This album is everything that Bill Leeb has been trying to do with Delerium for years and much much more.
The tracks that you will have to surgically remove from your head are every single one on this release. Poe makes "Center of the Sun" and "Make a Wish" absolutely sparkle with desire. Sinead O'Connor is stunning on "Tears from the Moon". "Tidal Pool" is a smoldering trip hop blast of sensuality and lust. "Years" clearly shows who was responsible for much of FLA's "futuristic" sound. "Pandora" coos softly and then explodes and "Sleep" coyly asks a naughty little question. This album has "in the mood" written all over it. I won't spoil the surprise by telling you about the other tracks on this release.
I had forgotten just how talented Rhys Fulber is and what FLA lost when he left. I had started to think Leeb was actually getting better but this album kicks his ass over and over and over. The repudiation is absolute. Fulber's project boasts a maturity and commercial crossover potential that his former associate could only dream of. There is no conscious effort to draw the listener in with this album. The subtle is what makes this long-player work and subtle is not something I'd use to describe anything Mr Leeb has ever done. You know those atmospheres which have never fully returned to FLA since Fulber left? Here's where they went.
Rhys Fulber's reputation as a producer of vast means has been cemented in my mind forever with this timeless and instantly classic disc. It has not left my player for weeks now and I doubt it will for some time to come. Melody, refinement and intricate arrangements are what Fulber is all about. Just one thing: please don't do another Delerium album with Bill Leeb, stick to this.

PETER MARKS