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Synth Music Direct (UK)
'Good Bye' might be a
strange title for the first track on the album but after reading the moving
credits you will realise why it is there. Percussive shimmers add some
detail over slow soft pads. High hat then starts up accompanied by piano
lead and a slow but purposeful rhythm. Hardly surprisingly there is a
melancholy mood but to me there was also a rather purposeful determined feel
to the music- maybe this wasn't intended, I don't know, but that is the way
it sounded to me.
Next up is a track simply called 'Theme'. It was the first one I heard from
Heil a couple of years ago as this album was starting to take shape and what
a belter it is. The rhythms and lead lines are so infectious, it is
impossible to keep your body still. Even if you weren't into Electronic
Music you would probably still like it, as it is simply exploding with joy
and energy. The melody really is one that will stick in your head for days
after hearing it. I suppose it is a bit like a mix of Kraftwerk and Jarre
given an 'intelligent' dance treatment - simply outstanding! 'Chill' calms
things down a little as warbling cosmic effects give way to tranquil and
rather mournful melodic pads. A stunning delicate melody just seems to hang
in the air above it all. Rhythms then come in one by one turning things into
a head nodding chugger without destroying the tranquil atmos already
created. A lovely piano lead line adds to the feeling of beauty still
further. 'Games Melody' begins with electronic effects then gets straight
into another exquisite lead and rhythm combination.
A variation on the main melody from 'Theme' makes an entrance. It all has a
rather stripped down feel to it which worked well to start off with but by
the end I was wanting a little more- which I certainly got with 'Motion'.
Epic sawing strings and dance rhythms provide an exciting combination which
got my feet moving and hands banging the table. As the drums momentarily
depart in comes a lovely melody which continues going when the rhythm
returns, all going together to form an irresistible groove. If you don't
mind 'intelligent' dance music but love energy and good 'tunes' in your
music you should go for this.
'Reflection' calms things down once more as the soul is uplifted by
beautiful shimmering tones that just seem to hang in the air. There is no
rhythmic content at all, just exquisite beauty which is heightened still
further when the most delicate of melodies comes in. It is as if each note
is caressed. What a virtuoso performance. 'Pursuit' sounds like it is going
to be one which puts its foot back on the gas and it sure is. The rhythms
slowly build and in quick time we are hurtling down the road. This isn't all
one paced stuff however as there are many a start and stop and even quite a
reflective melancholy bit nearer the end. 'Harmony' has a rather symphonic
feel to in with gently played strings punctuated by relaxing rhythms full,
once again, of beautiful tunes.
'Return' cranks up the pace and excitement level still further finishing
things off on an almost euphoric high. This is an album that mixes
wonderfully energetic rhythms, sometimes being slightly dance orientated,
with some of the most exquisite melodies I have heard in a very long time.
It touches the heart as well as being an infectious body mover. It is hard
to come up with exact comparisons but think maybe of a combination of
Synthetik, Asana and Otarion but a little more emotional. For many it will
be the outstanding CD of the year. Music as well crafted and composed as
this doesn't come along very often. Quite an unbelievable achievement for a
first album. (DL)
Dave Law,
2005
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