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Synth Music Direct (UK)
Basically, if you liked the
first two albums you will have to purchase this one as well. Right from the
beginning of the opener 'Cydonia' sequences are the order of the day.
Pulsations bubble over lush soft mellotron pads, amply demonstrating just
how well David Dewdney, the man behind Syn, has mastered the art of
seventies influenced retro Sequencer music. Things chug along beautifully,
the sound palette being spot on, getting even better just before the
six-minute mark with the introduction of a second sequence and another fine
lead line. 'Valles Marineris' starts rather ominously. Reverberating stabs
of sound underpin a little fleeting melody backed by delicate drones. This
is superbly crafted atmospheric stuff. A rhythm enters in the fifth minute.
It is rather hypnotic and wouldn't have been out of place in some shamanic
ceremony. The last two and a bit minutes takes us back to pure atmospherics.
Echoing sounds mix with cosmic twitters and delicate leads- wonderful. A
solar wind gets 'Utopia Planitia' underway and continues throughout this
long journey through uncharted regions of the galaxy. Faint little sonic
touches here and there emphasise the feeling of deep space superbly. Nearer
the end a two-note sequence very gradually starts to seep its way into the
consciousness. It is accompanied by a gorgeous flute lead line sounding as
if it has come straight from TD's 'Stratosfear' period. We fade back to
atmospherics to finish. 'Olympus Mans' takes us back to storming sequences,
the sort that would get you driving far too fast. It really is wonderful
stuff with just the right amount of melody to keep the mind occupied as well
as the feet tapping. 'Delos' still deploys the sequencer but this time the
pace is slower.
A lush carpet of mellotron sounds creates a feeling of peace through which
little lead lines come and go, each one hitting the spot perfectly. My
favourite track here. 'Moontide' finishes the album with another space trip.
Dark drones mingle with little tinkling cosmic shimmers and layer upon layer
of more wonderful tron. Another excellent CD. (DL)
Dave Law, 2004
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