Thorsten Sudler-Mainz is the leading light behind Deep Imagination, names I
was hitherto unfamiliar with. Sudler-Mainz, keyboards and programming, is
joined by other musicians such as Thorsten Rentsch on guitar to produce an
agreeable concoction of instrumentals with each track ending in 'scape'. The
initial piece, 'Moonscape' , begins with suitably cosmic treatments evoking
a sense of wonder providing an ideal soundtrack for moongazing or
planetarium. Subtle and minimalist guitar contributions are added and the
overall effect is atmospheric and melodic without overtly using recognisable
melodies. 'Timescape' begins in impressionistic vein before percussion and
an oriental-sounding theme give this piece a little more structure than
other pieces. 'Colourscape' features Rentch's guitar, bass and percussion as
well as a little extra colour added by Stefan Hollering on electro -
saxophone. The track has a light, airy, and thanks to the electro-saxophone,
jazzy feel.
'Mountainscape' again features guitar, here sounding not unlike a minimalist
Mike Oldfield, to accompany the languid, meditative electronics which drift
to a dreamy and peaceful conclusion. 'Fogscape' is a little more sinister
and reminded me, at times, of the great Robert Fox , in terms only of the
atmosphere evoked and subtle deployment of texture but a much more
minimalist affair than its predecessors. 'Oceanscape' works hard to create
atmospheres but despite its obvious cinematic template I found the bass
synth a tad predictable and overall the track struggles to make an impact.
'Sunscape' is a return to earlier form with cosmic synths slowly building
over a distant rumbling bass and with more minimalist guitar contributions.
Music to accompany the birth of a star or a solar eclipse, rare events in
the firmament above my hometown of Southport but an ideal soundtrack if such
cosmic events occur. Finally. 'Mindscape' is a fine meditative, drifting,
piece suitable for relaxing and unwinding after a hard day's toil, not
exactly demanding but the overall effect is pleasing. The electro-saxophone
makes a welcome re-appearance to add some sonic variation with the guitar
joining the mix.
(c) Stefan Kluge
As I take my reviewing duties seriously, I played 'Scapes' several times and
found that my enjoyment levels varied according to mood and listening
environment. At best I found it a good ambient album and its cosmic
atmospheres will satisfy those of a 'centering', cosmic disposition . At
worst, I found myself skipping sections of the album in search of more
immediate gratification. There will be those who will thoroughly enjoy
'Scapes' and derive much listening pleasure from its drifting soundscapes,
curiously a title not present on this collection. (SR)
