Dermaptera’s first effort, this album recorded in 2001, is a true space odyssey. Liquid voice and synthesizer blend with amazing electronic bass sounds. Epic length ambient songs live side by side with shorter tracks. Although the dense layers of sound may lead the listener to think there was a lot of overdubbing in the recordings, most of the songs on the album were recorded during live sessions. This album has also been described as spectral insectoid warblings gliding through the outer reaches of space. Beltaine is the first album in our four CD celebration of the seasons of the year. May 1st is the traditional time for Beltaine, so this is our album to ring in the summer. The songs reflect the light, airy spaces in this season in the light half of the year. Kathy McMenamin and Kevin Hassett are Dermaptera. A husband and wife duo, we have been making music together since the turn of the millennium. Kevin has been playing bass since the early eighties, and has perfected his individual style of playing multiple string chords on the bass. His bass style also usually includes multiple effects processors. Kathy plays the synthesizer, and adds signal processed vocals to some songs. Her background includes a decade of training and performing for voice and piano, but she had been away from making music for several years before Kevin convinced her to start up again. Other instruments that have been known to make surprise appearances on Dermaptera albums include mountain dulcimer, autoharp, hand drums, and an earth plate, so keep your ears open for surprises. Please buy this album now! We need to buy more parts for our communicator to signal the mother ship.