The
first track on Skyline is called “Mellotropica,” but really that
could be a fitting title for the whole album, as much a tribute to the
Mellotron as Edgar Froese’s classic Epsilon in Malaysian Pale. Like
Epsilon, Skyline uses the Mellotron as the main form of
expression, keeping things very low-key and leisurely. No big sequencers, no
crescendos that end in a big splash of synth leads and heavy rhythms, none
of that. Well, okay, there is a slow marching tempo to “Skyline
(Part-1)” that moves it forward, along with a cool squelchy vintage synth
sound. But the Mellotron comes right back on “Distant Visions,” full of
those tasty string sounds that are not quite like any other. Again, there is
a pulse in the background to carry it along, but it is secondary. Tron
flutes alternate with the strings, again showcasing this classic instrument
as it was always intended. Of course, we can’t forget those choir sounds,
and “Psytopia” adds those in abundance. At times, the similarity to
Edgar is eerie, in this case “Psytopia” sounding a lot like Macula
Transfer. This piece is more active than the others. “Skyline
(Part-2)” goes back to Mellotron strings, again with a nice retro synth
lead. Skyline’s 76 minutes will transport you back to 1976.
Phil Derby, 2005
Cover designed by Lothar Lubitz w/ photos
'Berlin Skyline'
taken at the Reichstag, Berlin on 22nd March 2005
Synth Music Direct (UK)
After a brief journey away
from the Berlin School for his previous album 'Orange' Syn returns to full
in yer face retro territory for this one! A deep drone combines with
wonderful lush mellotron sounds right from the first second of
'Mellotropica'. And very aptly titled it is too because if you're a fan of
the tron you should be in heaven here as basically it is the lead
instrument, often being layered with one line on top of the other in an ever
shifting mix, for the full twenty-four minute duration! Both 'Phaedra' and
'Epsilon in Malaysian Pale' kept coming to mind. I could say that it is a
tad over indulgent but if you love the instrument you might have wanted it
to go on for even longer. 'Skyline (Part 1)' initially has a much darker
feel to it. At just over a minute into proceedings a very good melodic
sequence starts a steady pulse. A playful lead line weaves around it
lightening the mood considerably. Percussive splashes are added bouncing off
the first sequence then a second falls into formation increasing the
excitement still further. Things come to a lovely conclusion with relaxing
ethereal pads.
'Distant Visions' uses an ominous pulsating deep drone, gradually increasing
in intensity, to form a very brooding atmosphere. Solar flare type sonic
effects fly over the top and the mellotron returns giving a feeling of
melancholy. Things get even better when some gorgeous flutey synth is added.
'Psytopia' features yet more intense tron which mixes with deep sighing pads
to create an epic sounding beginning. A sequence slowly rises through the
thick soundstage. It's as if bubbles are rising through steaming lava. A
lead line meanders over it all like molten rock escaping from the volcano's
summit, winding its way down the mountainside. A second sequence comes and
goes as it surges to the top of the mix only to descend again into the
cataclysm. This time it's as if the sun shines through the smoke from time
to time only to be obscured again as more ash is hurled into the sky. What
an excellent track. My favourite on the album and in my opinion one of the
best Syn has done. Loads of whooshing effects herald the beginning of
'Skyline (Part 2)'. It isn't long however before a sequence can be heard
cutting through a thick dronal backing. The mellotron, of course, makes a
re-appearance and for a while it is if it is battling with the pulsations.
A different tron sound then comes in taking one half of the melodic duties
whilst another laser sharp lead blasts over the top. Things become
increasingly intense as we progress, as if heading for some sort of
explosive conclusion. Instead things reach a peak then subside to finish how
we started the album with the one and only Mellotron. (DL)
