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Synth Music Direct (UK)
It often turns out that
collaboration albums don't turn out as good as they sound on paper so I
approached this double CD with some caution. As it turned out I needn't have
worried as this is a stonkingly good release. The first CD represents
beautiful atmospheric music with some first rate sequences in that good old
classic 70s style, the second is more upbeat and definitely '90s'. The first
disc 'Loops' starts with a short prologue (in German) before getting into
the first proper track, mainly consisting of a beautiful haunting lead line
over a shifting 'deep space' backing. The formula is very simple but so
effective. The second track introduces another haunting lead line which
nestles amongst the sequence and yet more effects from the cosmos. The rest
of the first album follows this formula fairly closely. The lead lines and
sequences vary but each one is crafted superbly. A couple of the tracks also
include drums and if there ever was an album that shows how drums and
sequences can be combined together for powerful effect then this is it. The
price of the album would be worth it for the disc alone.
The second disc 'Beats'
consists of 50% solo compositions by Detlef Keller with the other half made
up of joint efforts (except for one Schonwalder track). We are again treated
to an introduction in German, this is swiftly followed by a beautiful
floating passage and after a few minutes a hypnotic rhythm takes centre
stage which lasts until the end of the track. 'Beat 3' starts in a similar
fashion to the previous track but develops into yet another stormer, this
time with rhythm constantly changing. 'Beat 4' is even better with some
superb lead lines particularly towards the end. 'Beat 5' features a
repetitive bass drum that should be one for the 'Ambient' crowd. 'Beat 6'
starts off like a more recent Klaus Schulze track then shifts into overdrive
with the return of the bass drum which is a little lower in the mix than on
the previous title but above it all is the best lead line on the CD so far-
wonderful! The album is rounded off with 'Beat 7' which begins very laid
back but as the sequence builds, more rhythm is added, the bass drum packing
a powerful punch. Layer after layer of sequence and melody are added, we
border on overload but just avoid going over the edge, this would be amazing
live - Wow! Very highly recommended. (DL)
Dave Law, 1996
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