Marcus Hildebrandt, alias Driftin’
Thoughts, released his debut CD ‘Secret Dimensions’ in 1997 and
received requests for samples of previous “demo tapes”. Hence this
CD-R, which essentially is Hildebrandt’s most important recordings
between 1992-1996 and includes a ‘98 remix of ‘Games’.
‘In motion’ starts off the collection promisingly enough, with a
nimble descending keyboard line, lush synth pads, added layers of melodies
and brisk rock/dance rhythms and sequences. The main theme is bright,
optimistic and uptempo and Hildebrandt’s improvisations are tight and
convincing. In the darker recesses of my vinyl collection is a small
selection of releases by Schulze Acolyte Baffo Banfi and his ‘Galaxy My
Dear’ came to mind, mainly because Hildebrandt’s style reminded me of
the upbeat optimism often evident on the Italian’s work. ‘Flying
Free’ is slower, more reflective, but still retains a light, airy
melodic sensibility. ‘The Intruder’ begins with deceptively ominous
low drones, and metallic percussion before the shimmering high register
sequences return accompanied this time by dance rhythms and bright techno
motifs.
Hildebrandt slows the pace down on ‘Gravitation Waves’, the
introduction more brooding, the rhythms and sequences begin suddenly, but
are more subtle, the pads a touch more downbeat, yet the melodies still
imbue a light, airy mood. Essentially, Hildebrandt’s technique is to
fuse traditional Electronic Music with more commercial genres,
principally, techno, trance and dance. Variation is provided by shifting
the emphasis between the styles and deploying some light and shade, which
the composer does with some skill throughout the set.. There are few low
points, although I found the footsteps, creaking doors, striking matches,
and voice samples, (“No way dude” indeed), on the introduction to the
remix of ‘Games’, although probably intended as light relief,
irritating on repeated play but it barely lasts two minutes and the track
recovers to become one of the highlights of the collection.
Even when Hildebrandt leans more towards commercial dance/techno horizons
such as on ‘Touch of Infinity’ and ‘Vortex Flight’, he retains a
melodic EM sensibility which maintained my interest. Despite the fact that
this may not appeal to those who prefer their music to be darker, brooding
and with greater gravitas, I found it generally entertaining and a change
from the current retro-climate. No doubt essential for those who enjoyed
‘secret Dimensions’, ‘NightShifts’ may also appeal to fans of more
commercial sensibilities, receptive to other genres, but maybe it’s time
for second thoughts on that name Marcus. (SR)
Dave Law, Synth Music Direct, 1998
Progressive Newsletter (D)
Driftin' Thoughts ist das Projekt von Marcus Hildebrandt, der die
vorliegende Musik in den Jahren 1992 bis 1996.
Die
Musik auf diesem Album hat tatsächlich schon einige Jahre auf dem Buckel.
Wie
ein alter Schinken klingt 'nightshifts' beileibe nicht. Ganz im Gegenteil,
die Musik ertönt ausgesprochen frisch aus den Boxen. Gleich der Opener 'in
motion' kommt extrem flott daher, wobei die vorliegende Machart (das gilt
auch für andere Titel) schon fast den Techno- oder gar Rave-Bereich
schrammt. Man kommt nicht umhin, einigen Melodien echten Ohrwurmcharakter
zuzuschreiben, wie z.B. auch dem spritzigen 'the intruder'. Auf der
anderen Seite lässt Hildebrandt es aber durchaus auch mal etwas bedächtiger
oder gar experimenteller zugehen – wie zum Beispiel im Intro zu 'games
98', das sich im weiteren Verlauf dann dank eingängiger Melodik ebenfalls
in den Gehörgängen festsetzt. Allerdings wirkt die ausgesprochen großzügige
Gesamtspielzeit leicht kontraproduktiv, denn nach spätestens einer
dreiviertel Stunde setzt dann doch ein gewisser Sättigungseffekt ein, und
ich empfinde diese gelegentlichen dumpfen Beats dann doch etwas
enervierend.
Trotzdem: wer es insgesamt melodiös und dabei etwas flotter mag und
dementsprechende elektronische rhythmische Unterlegung nicht als störend
empfindet, sollte dieses Album mal antesten.
Electroambient Space (USA)
The Discerning Guide to Instrumental Electronic Music
Driftin’ Thoughts is Marcus Hildebrandt, and Nightshifts is a 2007
remaster of a 1998 recording of pieces composed and performed from
1992-1996. “In Motion” kick starts the album in fine upbeat form, very
much in keeping with the Driftin’ Thoughts sound based on my limited
experience. “Flying Free” slows things down considerably but maintains
a warm, cheery disposition. This is the antithesis of dark ambient. “The
Intruder” energizes as it entertains. The synth drums sound a bit thin
but it’s hard to find much fault in the fun. “Gravitation Waves”
drifts into outer space with its soothing sounds at first, but soon joins
in the rhythmic melodic fun. Track titles like “Sun In My Hand” convey
the optimistic tone at hand. Even on gentle floaters like “Midnight
Sky” the mood remains bright. Thunder, rain and distant bells create a
darker tone on “Games 98,” but it doesn’t last for long, and soon
light and bouncy is the order of the day again. It would be nearly
impossible to be unhappy while listening to Nightshifts.
Phil Derby, 2009
Guts Of Darkness
(CAN)
The French Magazine of Dark & Experimental Music
Lead by enigmatic Marcus Hildebrandt, Driftin ' Thoughts produced 4 albums since its debut in 1987. According to the experts, Nightshifts would be the reference regarding Driftin ' Thoughts musical heights. Produced initially on Spheric Music label in 1998, Syngate reintroduces Nightshifts in May 2007. A collection of 12 titles, to very varied essences, which abandon the classical form of Berlin School to work in the more lively furrows of the electrifying side of England School.
In Motion begin with a melodious streamer which sinks into the bosoms of a soft techno with rock percussions and a mellotron to orchestral arrangements which waltz on a semi unbridled rhythm. A good hopping sequence encircles this rhythm covered with melodious synthesized stratums. A track which pitches between electronic rock and soft techno, as The Intruder, who is wilder, Games 99 who goes out of Mark Shreeve mould, Touch of Infinity which has some Frédéric Mercier in the nose, Vortex Flight, the boiling and energetic Terminal Threshold, Offbeat Challenge and Back Through The Vortex.
In fact, Driftin ' Thoughts explores the rhythms towards different facets and musical inspirations, but the base always remains stuck on rock, much more than pop, or pure EM. More or less, its EM mixed to dance music with mellotrons which waltz and wrapped those very lively structures. Certainly there are small pearls of tranquility as Flying Free and the romantic arrangements à la Yanni, Midnight Sky and its hypnotic bewitchment on beautiful melodious chords. There are also atmospheric moments, rather intros, which skip towards livelier movements of a more pop
flexibility as Gravito Waves.
Driftin ' Thoughts Nightshifts is a beautiful album of a more alive EM which is captured in a hardly spatial, but just enough to appreciate its sound effects which revolve around tracks where we can dance without constraints. A justified rerelease, which aged well, for an opus that can influence a generation in search of an accessible and charming EM. Sylvain Lupari (Phaedream), 2009
