SciFi Lounge Vol.1



Pete Farn - Alkor
(2007, SynGate CD-R 2118)

 


Electroambient Space (USA)
The Discerning Guide to Instrumental Electronic Music

I love the opening track of this disc, called “Weltenreise.” It has a funky little bass line whose quirky rhythm reminds me of Laurie Anderson’s “Blue Lagoon” from her Mister Heartbreak CD; not a typical reference point for electronic music, but it totally works. Retro elements like mellotron choirs and other electronic sounds add to the ambiance. “Novemberwelt” is a 22-minute number a bit more meandering and experimental in nature. Melancholy synth strings in a minor key wax and wane slowly for a few minutes, then tribal drumming is added to the dark mood. Quirky mechanical pulsations emerge after that, bringing a livelier beat to bear along with a rawer, edgier sound that sounds like a modern take on old krautrock, maybe a bit like Klaus Schulze’s energetic solo on “Mental Door” from Totem, though not that frenetic by any means. This track has several distinct movements, some more abstract and minimal, some more active. This could prove a challenging listen for some, but I like it. If you prefer a stronger retro element, the bass line, male choirs, soft sequencing, and infectious beat of “Zeit:Los” should be right up your alley. “Stimme im Kollektiv” is perhaps the most daring yet, a minimal, mostly quiet abstract piece that explores a surprising range of sounds within a certain mood and feel. The wide-ranging tracks showcase Fern’s skill quite well in a fascinating album that works quite well despite the differing styles throughout. One of my favorite new discoveries, and I hope Vol. 2 is coming soon.

Phil Derby
, 2009



(c) 2007 by Peter Schaefer







    Pete Farn
O In der Ferne - Tales From The Modular-Zone Vol.1
O
Permutation
O
Mizar - SciFi Lounge Vol.2
O
Alkor - SciFi Lounge Vol.1
O
MC Square
O Cycler

label/distribution
O SynGate

website
O www.petefarn.de