Phloem is a rough gem in a drab envelope. Of all the stuff that was sent to me, this disc would have been the easiest to overlook, which may or may not have been disappointing. Ciszak, a Polish composer, guitarist, experimentalist, and sqrt label head, offers an interesting, intriguing, yet inconsistent solo outing. Of this near 50 (!!!) minute piece, large sections seem out of place, even unnecessary. As a general rule, I am pretty suspicious of solo electro-acoustic projects. Good ideas often wither under the weight of under-designed execution or unchecked experimentalism. Phloem is not a victim of ineptitude as Ciszak's guitar work is quite amazing and the tones & drones mixed in amongst the composition are more than pleasing. If this recording had been limited to an interchange of guitar and electronics, it would have been wonderful from beginning to end. Alas, it was not to be. At about the 11 minute mark the disc begins to tank. Unexpected and unwanted, the air is filled with tape manipulation that completely shatters the lulled vibe that was so expertly created. The rest of the disc attempts to recapture the opening environment but it becomes sadly evident the moment is lost and the rest is a slow unraveling. It's a minor peeve, but had this CD been divided into 3 or 4 parts, it would have been much easier to take. 8/10 -- Chris Jacques (8 July, 2005)