The unpredictable Cynics strike again with their unique brand of soundtracks for urban heritage. The outbreak, which did happen, attempts to generate a feel for the situation that must have existed at the time. ‘Establishment 25’ (named after the Argentinian corned beef plant behind the outbreak) is a scary piano piece which I suppose sets the scene.
This is an all-instrumental album, 10 tracks, with titles like ‘We played as they closed the roads’ and ‘The beach is quieter than normal’ which evoke perfectly what you’d imagine the deathly atmosphere in the city was like at the time. ‘Lullaby for the children behind hospital windows’ is another title which is matched by the music, a mix of ancient and modern sounds that provide a soothing respite.
Eventually the beleaguered city gets the all-clear and finally we bid a poignant ‘Farewell to William Low’ – the supermarket chain which never succeeded after the outbreak which stemmed from its shops. Who says music and education can’t mix. The fact that the music is so well played and conceived is a definite bonus.