The music on World of Evil is good, clean, fun music. It slides in and says enjoy, have a blast. There is a funky edge to the folk-rockin' jazz that Life Trip has produced that is a delight to listen to.

The musicians get a chance to shine on this CD, which stretches over five tracks. Chip Symonds (sax, flute, guitar, keyboard, vocals), George Westberry (bass on tracks 1-2), Ken Simonds (bass on tracks 3-4), Malcolm Fields (bass on track 5), Ryan Ramirez (drums) and Bobby Harrison (drums on track 5).

The CD opens up with "Sun and Sea (set me free)" with the lyrics riding and sliding into the music. There is a hard edge to both that fits well together. "Camel Steps" starts out playing with a short theme and then drifts away from it; at the end the song fades into the distance. The repetitive steps return, if with a different sound in "Camel Steps (Part 2)" and then the music branches off again to explore sounds along the side.

It can sound a bit strange when the vocals come in near the end, but the music is highly charged for "Soaring" and the music makes you want to go along with the singer and do just what the title suggests. The CD ends with "World of Evil" -- at just over 12 minutes it still ends too soon. The music could last without end. It is sideways music at its best, wonderfully woven together.

World of Evil is an enjoyable treat to listen to. It may be a bit strange at times but it is always good.

- Rambles
written by Paul de Bruijn
published 19 April 2003