The latest releases reviewed

STEVE HILLAGE
Germany-77 Voiceprint ***

What do you do if you're perceived by the punk rock brigade as a dinosaur who did his time in one of the most derided hippie bands of the 1970s? Concentrate on tried-and- tested territories far removed from the cynic zone. Incredibly, Steve Hillage, former guitarist with space-heads Gong, has long bridged the gap between ridicule and acceptance through System 7, his genre-bending ambient unit. Flashback, then, to Germany in 1977, when Hillage was basking in the reflected glory of Gong and enjoying niche solo success on the back of several underrated albums. The music is undeniably trippy (Hurdy Gurdy Glissando, Lunar Musick Suite, Electrick Gypsies) but also innately melodic, while covers of Hurdy Gurdy Man, It's All Too Much and Not Fade Away skip the light fantastic. Ideal viewing for lovers of original and innovative space rock. Extras include an up-to-date interview with Hillage. TONY CLAYTON-LEA

CINEMATIC ORCHESTRA
Ma Fleur Live at the Barbican Ninja Tune ***

Last year's Ma Fleur album from the Jason Swinscoe-helmed Cinematic Orchestra was a moody, downbeat and oddly troubled score for an imaginary film. While previous CO abums were all-soaring affairs, Ma Fleur's introspection was a mite tedious and tiring. Things changed when the show moved to the live arena, and this DVD, recorded at London's Barbican, catches a band throwing magical shapes between notes. It's evident in vocalist Patrick Watson's contributions on To Build a Home and in how Eska Mtungwazi (stepping into the very big shoes of Fontella Bass), dispatches Breathe to the stars. You'll also be wowed by the musicianship, especially drummer Luke Flowers's ability to move with sublime ease from subtle embellishment to powerhouse tub-thumping. www.cinematicorchestra.com  JIM CARROLL