- originally released in 1999 -

Rainbow Serpent - Cutted Scenes
(1999/2005, SynGate CD-R 2045)

Synth Music Direct (UK)

Seven tracks are listed but the first six are really just parts in a fifty plus minute epic. Electronic wooshes and bleeps ripple from the speakers as we delve into 'Believe'. Heavily processed NASA samples float forward but because of the processing they don't seem cliched in any way. Monk chants are next, they are used very subtly so again work well. Under all this waves of synth sounds rise and fall. A delicate but exquisite rhythm drives the track along nicely and makes you realise that 'Cutted Scenes' is another Rainbow Serpent corker!
'Imagination Fire' introduces a tinkling sequence then a monster one is layered over the top and to add to the pulsating brew further a bass rhythm storms forth, fasten those seat belts! Another rhythm "splashes" into play adding to the range of frequencies being deployed. We get an almost Schulze like change in the rhythmic and sequential structure next reminding me a little of 'Drive Inn'. What an awesome track. 'Silent Running' initially sooths the senses back into a state of calm with lush pads and more cosmic sounds but it isn't long before a nice thick sequence rumbles forward . It begins to increase in intensity and the excitement builds all the way until we get to 'Exploring The Mars'. So the recent Mars probe didn't discover what the planet sounded like. Well no worries Rainbow Serpent knew already, and what a weird and wonderful place it must be too by the sounds of what is on offer here. Its all very atmospheric with lots of different noises all caressing your senses but coexisting perfectly. Some structure eventually starts to materialise and the picture now created is one of heat hazes clouding the vision. At the half way mark a sequence starts to develop low in the mix and becomes more prominent. A superb rhythm comes and goes until it eventually remains and becomes the highlight of the track. This number has absolutely everything and is one of my favourite slices of their art.
'From Darkroom to Digital' brings yet another top flight sequence into play. There are some sound effects in the background of someone moving around but then we get a gorgeous piano melody and slow deep beat. Another lovely track providing the most melodic moments so far. 'Exploring The Mars Part 2' takes us back to the red planet but now we seem to be hearing strange alien creatures slithering around and warbling to each other. A military rhythm enters bringing a sequence closely on its heals, getting louder and louder as though we can hear the rotor blades of some craft getting closer. Mayhem always sounds as though it is just about to take over but somehow things manage to remain in control. Finally 'Celtic Dance' is just tagged on the end and isn't really my thing, the result of some holiday in Ireland or Scotland perhaps but it is only very short at four minutes so can be ignored entirely if you want or just left to play if you think it finishes the album off with a satisfying twist. Rainbow Serpent just get better and better. (DL)

Dave Law, 1999

(c) 2005 by Georg Abts
Used by courtesy of www.drawings.de