Electronic music typically is just someone using Pro Tools manipulating sounds and creating a cool drum beat to tie everything together. Years ago I had no interest in this genre until a young man approached me to add guitar parts to his electronic beats. At first I resisted but agreed to at least listen to what he had created and then decide if I would help him or not.

To my surprise, I was actually enjoying what he had created. The kid could not tune a guitar but he could manipulate sounds and make some pretty amazing music. After a couple days I agreed to work with him on his project. What he did with all those songs I may never know but I learned to appreciate the work that he put forth and have enjoyed many electronic artists since. In 2000 I joined Mark Bell of Triskelion Matrix in the creation of Quad-Cranium, an energetic electronic experience with a rock/metal sub-plot.

As for my thoughts on The Hungry Ghosts?
Negin has proven himself to be a worthy creator of great electronic music. Armed with an amazing studio, his own vocals and that of sampled sources Negin creates a near musical masterpiece with The Hungry Ghosts. In the studio he also finds one incredible diamond in the ruff with the vocals of British vocalist Sulene Fleming. I wish she could have hung around for more then just three songs as her voice was unique yet strangely familiar. As for Negin's voice? He reminded me of Sara Palin. Great ideas until she opens her mouth. Negin's voice was equally as annoying to me as Mrs. Palin's voice is to liberals. Lee should just stick to song writing and graphic art design.

Negin is an amazing graphics artist. His CD opens up to reveal a booklet of his graphic artwork. It was so good that I might have thought that Nagin was making the CD just to promote his artwork. The artwork would have been even better had he used a lovely model instead of himself but the work was still very entertaining.

Born in the USA, Negin now resides in Seoul, Korea. There is some truth to the rumor that he is the secret leader of a mysterious organization that is sometimes called the League of Interplanetary Neo-Psychedelic Artists. His music fits the billing. This was a very easy CD to enjoy. The music doesn't break any boundaries but it does stretch the musical mind a few times. It's pleasing to the ears yet it still has that edge of anticipation or expectation realized.

Technical credits for the album are impeccable. While the basic tracks were recorded in the artist's home studio in Seoul, Korea, Negin points out that the "vocals, acoustic drums, electric and acoustic guitars, trumpet and additional keyboards, processing and mixing were done at The Chairworks in the UK. The Chairworks is a world-class studio and one of England's preeminent facilities," Negin adds.

Serving as mixing engineer was Simon Humphrey (Jeff Beck, The Clash, XTC, David Byrne, Hans Zimmer, Culture Club). The album was mastered in London by Jon Astley (Eric Clapton, The Who, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, ABBA, Teenage Fan Club, David Bowie).

This is a very well recorded CD of electronic music sprinkled with real instruments and real singers. I did not find Negin's vocals to be my cup of tea and had he had someone covering his vocal parts this CD would have been a first class release. Fortunatly, Negin doesn't sing that often so the CD is worthy of being added to anyones collection.
I rate this CD a solid 4 stars and an extra 1/2 star for the artwork inside the CD.

Charlie Harrelson
EvO:R Reviewer
855 Markham Wood Rd
Longwood, Fl.
32779