Gate, The Wisher Table (CD)

While some Gate records deviate far from the Dead C's formula, 1997's The Wisher Table lies closer to that group's typical palette. While the album features occasional twists in its palette and approach (like the recognizable keyboard sounds on "Spirit"), Michael Morley builds most tracks around his primitively-recorded vocals and growling guitars. Without Robbie Yates's incessant drumming, the percussion is less propulsive, and it often feels a bit more laid-back than the Dead C as a result. The structures also resemble the classic Dead C formula, with repeating melodies and parts that never follow a classic song structure. The packaging is beautiful, with a blurry photo on both sides of a nice fold-out, paper sleeve. The sound quality is of course rough and mid-range-y—I can't imagine this music any other way.