Unfortunately for the fledgling Recoil, the release in January 1988 of Alan's second album, 'Hydrology', clashed with this tour and the enormous popularity of the band restricted him from promoting his own work. A more ambitious follow up to '1+2', 'Hydrology' was still a far cry from the commercial pop sound of his day job. It remained entirely instrumental, having been recorded on a fairly modest set-up, and was obviously intended to be different. Wilder described the project at this stage as "an antidote to Depeche Mode in some ways; a way to alleviate the frustrations of always working within a pop format."



"Recoil's secretive persona and luscious style make for something that's at once grandiose and classically appealing while retaining a certain individual eclecticism. That this mystery personality has reaped found sounds such as native villages, introduced a keyboard verve and supplemented the proceedings with great mounds of rhythm when necessary, suggest that they are accomplished craftsmen and world-wise tunesmiths. 'Hydrology' is a seamless shroud for modern music, a mock symphony for a mixed up generation and an essentially moving collection of sketches."