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Synth Music Direct (UK)
Re-issue with superb new
artwork plus extra music.
Choirs, brash analogue sweeps and a throbbing bass sequence kick 'Behind the
Mental Wall' into life. A second, higher register sequence joins the fray.
Simple but effective electronic percussion cements these 'classic'
foundations. It's not long before a classic Schonwalder lead makes its
presence felt, played on a gorgeous seventies sound. A second, flutey lead
plays 'question and answer'. The percussion builds in intensity with
pounding tom toms. Everything just 'works'; this is classic retro EM. Things
start to wind down with a minute or so to go. A beautiful opening.
'Earthtime' opens with acoustic (virtual) guitar, a gentle pad and a
repeated bass note. A hypnotic mood is created – and extended by simple
percussion and a loping high register sequence. Atmospheric synth effects
and a reed-like lead, very evocatively played as you'd expect, create
harmonic interest. Schonwalder here displays his deft touch for melody and
atmosphere – as well as his superb lead synth technique (who can forget
him going quietly insane behind his synth at HJ3? – sorry if you missed
the gig!).
Symphonic pads and what sound like hand-bells suggest a monastic or
spiritual setting – we are looking at 'The Eye Of The Chameleon'. Synth
effects hover around the symphonic core of the mix, after close to 4 minutes
a very Schulzian sequence, bell-like and rock solid, enters the mix – it's
simply fabulous and sounds like something off Keller and Schonwalder's
classic 'Concerts' double CD. A second, mid-register sequence falls into
formation. The atmospherics continue to build around this solid foundation,
but the track is all about the sequences, and they hold the attention via
clever key changes and their core musicality. A distorted lead comes and
goes – again it's beautifully played. By the ten minute mark another
gorgeous, 'reedy' lead joins the mix. This is a cracker! Retro fans really
need this track in their collections.
'The Voyage Set To ( … To The Earth)' was recorded live at the Berlin
Planetary in January 1989. Haunting pads and a strange, distorted sequence
open proceedings. Then a simply devastating lead is deployed, played on the
kind of slow attack, syrupy synth sound that got me hooked on synths back in
the late. This is moody and glorious. Things take an abstract turn after 3
minutes, but the lead remains to anchor the track. I'm waiting for it …
and it arrives at the 5 minute mark – a syncopated mid-register sequence
and hypnotic percussion pattern. Glorious! Various leads and pads come and
go. A rapid metallic glissando joins the more traditional sequencing - it
has a feel of the 1980's about it – something that Depeche Mode would have
utilized perhaps – it really works. The rhythmic elements leave the mix at
the 19 minute mark and Schonwalder then sets about weaving a stark but
highly descriptive section. We get a haunting lead, massed choirs and 'solar
flashes'. Wonderful stuff – from start to finish – wish I'd been there
to hear it live.
Metallic clangs, seemingly recorded in some vast, empty factory provide an
appropriate intro to 'Abstract Roof'. String synth lines add a foreboding
melody. We are in a dark place – in fact I'm reminded of John Carpenter's
soundtrack work a little, certainly the music would suit one of his sci-fi
classics. By the 5 minute mark a kind of sequence (rhythmic and metallic
sounding) adds more structure, but it's fleeting – this is a mood piece to
the core. Bottom line? We all know and love Mario Schonwalder. He's a
fabulous musician and has a real feel for retro EM. Treat yourself! (WP)
Dave Law, Synth Music Direct, 2005
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