Syn - 61 Cygnus-Alpha
(2000-2001/2008, SynGate
CD-R 2098)
Synth Music Direct
(UK)
Some lovely deep analogue cosmic twitters reverberate and then echo into
the distance as the fantastically spaced out '61 Cygnus-Alpha' gets
underway. If I were to put on more planetarium concerts I think I would
play this over the PA as people were coming in. It would set just the
right atmos. Close your eyes and let your mind take you to the depths of
uncharted space. There is a warmth to it all though, a sort of comforting
environment enveloping and protecting us on our journey. Some of the
effects were so bass laden my speakers could hardly cope. From the eighth
minute a lovely retro organ sound comes in giving things a rather 'Zeit'
feel but this is more the backdrop than the main thrust, as a sort of slow
moody guitar lead line takes the main focus. This is the only track on the
album not to use sequences and the same laidback feel initially continues
through 'Sea of Orion'. A suitably watery scene is set as waves break on
the shore. Sonic shimmers add to the peaceful setting and seabirds fly
overhead. Wonderful lush analogue drones rise through the mix. A slow
relaxed rhythmic loop appears in the sixth minute driving things forward.
A lovely ethereal melody dreamily plays over the top. It really come to
life however when the sequence makes an entrance. An aggressive lead line
completes a compelling oomph laden picture.
(c) mosaic/composite image of M42, the great nebula in Orion by Robert Gendler.
'Crystal Dreaming' has a very
effective organ lead that is played in quite an aggressive percussive way,
repeating a rather staccato melody. This forms the backbone for the entire
track. A delicate ticking rhythm falls into formation accompanied by some
excellent high register splashes then angelic mellotron choir. The
wonderful mesmerizing brew seems to become more intense by the moment.
Things get even more powerful and awe inspiring as yet another excellent
sequence is launched into this fantastic bubbling cauldron of sound. A new
lead line meanders over the top. What a superb track!
There is an honesty to this album. I don't think Syn was trying to do
anything too clever, instead just enjoying making the sort of music he
loves on the sort of retro pieces of kit that seem equally as close to his
heart. He does have a natural feel for 70s based sequencer music and to me
this comes over more on this album than any other I have heard by him.
(DL)
