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Synth Music Direct (UK)
What we have here are selected tracks from their first concert in 1995.
The running order is not as in the concert but the tracks are beautifully
placed next to and float into each other. It comes over sounding much more
like a studio album, its hard to believe that such complex music was
actually played live. Its also hard to believe that it has remained
unreleased for so long. Its straight into fast sequence territory with the
opener 'Over the Edge'. The first melody is slow and drifting contrasting
nicely with the urgent pace of the rest of the track. Things then quieten
down nicely as another sequence develops. Melodic whooshes of sound add to
the excitement still further as the sequences continue to blast forward.
Things quieten down just enough for us to drift into 'Velvet Earth'.
Melodic floating pads set a tranquil mood. The rhythm and sequences are all
very Schulzian but so much happens in the nine minute duration both with the
pianoish lead line, sequences and high hat accompaniment that it is hard to
pin it down to a particular period. The lead line is particularly impressive
but really you can't fault anything about this track, never has nine minutes
flown by so quickly. 'Destination Moon' is a lovely atmospheric number. Soft
pads are dismissed by dark crashes of sound. We move into deep space and
NASA samples can just be heard in the background. I'm no great fan of such
samples but they are so faint here that they add to the atmosphere without
really being noticed. Then a lovely slow bass sequence rumbles forwards
creating a very ominous setting. Deep pads are then placed over the top as
if some vast hand is enveloping everything. They then disappear and things
become much lighter again. They return however and the track is snuffed out.
'Tranquility Base' takes over and the NASA samples can be heard again.
Its all very cosmic, gently shimmering. Flutey synths abound. 'The Gate'
immediately returns us to sequencer territory. One sequence is of the
conventional bubbling variety then we get a more rhythmic one. The lead line
is of the tubular bell type but wow what a fantastic melody! We continue
straight into 'Fountains of Force' which builds slowly and is another number
which sounds heavily inspired by Klaus Schulze, particularly in the rhythm
programming. By the five minute mark all the sequences are in full flow. Its
very hard to write as the music takes over my head, mesmerizing and
hypnotizing. A laser sharp lead line then comes in and, well, just string
five or six superlatives together of your own choice – it's awesome!
'Dreamtime' is a rather dark number, punctuated by strange animal noises.
A slow beat starts up sounding rather funereal. At two minutes a sequence
can be heard but it keeps within the disturbed sleep type feel of the rest
of the track, adding a little structure rather than forcing things forward.
'Stardance' initially uses some female vocal effects (not singing) over a
'tinkling' sequence. They only last a few seconds but in this setting are
very effective. A deeper sequence moves into position beside the first and
the obvious comparison is again with KS, this time in his 'Body Love'
period. This is another stunning track that both excites and mesmerizes at
the same time. Some people are given just too much talent. It isn't fair!
'Departure' immediately takes over and now we bounce along on a rather
jaunty sequence. Its like a cross between Jean Michel Jarre and Space (Magic
Fly). Trying to keep your body still to this one is close to impossible. Its
a very happy track which should leave a big smile on your face.
'Visionary' is in a similar style to the previous number in that it is
another real body mover but with sequences being more dominant that the
rhythms - again, great fun. Unfortunately this re-issue is without the final
track present on the original. This CD shows that not only are they one of
the most talented bands around today but even in 1995 they were one of the
very best. (DL)
Dave Law, 1995
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