A collection of great EM songs

SynG@te - The Collective
(2005, SynGate CD-R 2030)

THE COLLECTIVE is one of the best EM compilations around as it features an extensive selection of tracks from the SynG@te label, perhaps the most interesting EM label going now Europe. A DBL CD-R for single CD price, you can hear many unreleased tracks from the labels roster of artists. It’s too good a deal to pass up.

Archie Patterson, August 2004
Buy SynGate CD-R(eleases) at www.eurock.com or at the SynGate-shop

Cover designed by Lothar Lubitz w/ graphics created by Larissa Lubitz

Electroambient Space (USA)

Synrise’s “Rainfall” starts the disc on a relaxed yet upbeat note, beautiful tinkling sequencing and bright percussion making for a positive beginning to this comprehensive collection of SynG@te’s offerings. 
Next is valleyforge’s “Parking Lot at SAN (A Different One),” featuring maxxess’ excellent guitar playing, which sizzles. The narration sounds like a cheesy French waiter, though. Throughout the disc, the emphasis is on mostly lighthearted melodic tracks with a steady beat. For example, Oliver Ganz shows a deft hand with composition on “The Castle,” crisp beats accented nicely by synths and guitar. On occasion, however, as on “Gothic” by Dharana, the music mellows out, this one with an Eastern flair.
My favorite may be “Step Into The Future” by Realtime, exclusive to this compilation. It focuses on sequencing and beats, with melody also good but almost secondary to the strong foundation it rests on. Occasionally a track gets a little too cute for me, so I like that this one just sticks to the basics and does it very well. Vintage synth fans will love the lead lines on Certamen’s “Ozone Zone,” a 10-minute edited version that makes you want to hear the rest of it.
Disc two is equal to or better than the first one. Hardy Kukuk’s “E-Motion” is laid back but has a good beat to it. Always good is BIOnighT, and “Daybreak RMX” plays to their usual strengths of strong synth solos, tight arranging, and excellent sequencing. 
Next is one of my favorite discoveries of 2004, Remote Spaces. “Arpematik Part 2” is on their Silos CD, which I highly recommend. After Nebula Drone’s “Nectaris” from their very good On CD, a few unforgettable tracks follow – too sweet, too cute, or both. Things improve again when Mac of BIOnighT returns with “Unbearable Wait” – nothing fancy, but better than much of the material preceding it. Also good is E=Motion’s “Time Traveller,” another exclusive to this collection of generally solid material. 
With nearly 160 minutes packed onto these 2 CDs, you stand a good chance of finding something to your liking.

Phil Derby, Electroambient Space, 2005
Buy SynGate CD-R(ealeases) at the SynGate-shop