Genre: Electronica / Folk

01. You, looking to me for a sign
02. Shorepoem
03. Calm of the Dark
04. Imagination feels like Poison
05. Trade Winds
06. Over the waters
07. Everywhere there's rain
08. Empty pages
09. Midday coming misty
10. On the beach at Fontana
11. Sky after Fall
12. Fragments (Little star#1)
13. If I could see in everyone
14. Of night
15. Gift

"Mystery Seas" is the second part in the 'Letters Written' series and has been originally released on A-Scale Recordings back in 1995. Now Shayo released a completely remastered edition of this CD. Shayo's very small discography (10 releases in catalogue) includes artists as Neither/Neither World, In Gowan Ring and Sally Doherty. Needless to say that expectations were pretty high when I first tuned this up.

I never though I would like organ music. But with such a magnificent voice as the one of Martyn Bates accompanying it, it's hard not to like this release. Though I must say that the organ isn't a highly diverse instrument, which can lead to finding the songs on this release more or less alike. But, if one listens to the songs more often, the complete beauty shines through. I especially like the second song, 'Shorepoem'. It's a bit sad, but has a little bit happy touch as well. All due to Martyn's voice. It sounds playful at first, craving after that and melancholic as last. Per verse that is. The last verse has a longer third part, so that sounds more melancholic. Another notable track is 'On the beach at Fontana', which is pretty much a cappella. In this song you're confronted with the full force of Martyn's voice.

When listening to this album, I got reminded of Vangelis, who is also a master with electronic sounds. In some songs, the vocals actually remind me of some Depeche Mode songs, but I can't figure out which ones. Yes, these are two really big names, but the comparison is completely justified. To throw some more names in; Martyn Bates is a part of Eyeless In Gaza and has worked with the magnificent Anne Clark, amongst others.

It's like Shayo writes on their website: 'It's an intensive sound which would appeal to fans of traditional folk and electronic music fans all at once, which as to be some achievement.' Shayo is planning to re-release another CD of Martyn Bates later this year. That will be very pleasant again, I hope. I wonder how I could ever have missed this artist.