|
Synth Music Direct (UK)
'Miniature 1' features a
brooding sequence over soft wordless choral pads. It's all so moody but with
real attitude. We get a clap of thunder and smoothly float into 'March
2001'. The sequence this time is a lovely bass laden one. It mutates,
becoming more complex as a second sequence joins it. This really is
excellent stuff. Little melodic motifs appear then fade like ghostly
apparitions, mellotron being added to great effect. Appropriately enough it
is all so 'analogue' sounding and very much in the spirit of the mid to late
70s. A tinkling sequence raises its head then disappears again whilst lovely
floating melodic pads do their thing over the top. This track is a stunner.
The sequence on 'Miniature 2' might be a simple four note one but it bounces
along beautifully over some serene backing. Gradually things becomes more
complex. Subtle percussion is added but the gorgeous tranquil atmosphere is
maintained throughout. 'Rendevous Im Theater' picks up the pace. Rapid
pulsations create the initial structure around which forms a steam hissing
rhythm. The backing swells whilst a pitch bending lead line playfully darts
this way and that. By the half way mark the excitement level is high and
there seem to be more levels to the sequence than I can count. New leads
swoop high and low like hawks diving for the kill then soaring into the sky
again before sighting a fresh target. 'Miniature 3' (I assume you have
spotted the pattern in track titles by now) is a flutey atmospheric bridging
piece to 'The Trees Turn Tangerine (Live)'. An aggressive fizzing sequence
blasts forward. This is contrasted by a lovely slow silken melody. The track
title is very apt as so far, except for some vocoded text, this would have
been well at home on 'Sorcerer'. Things become even more powerful and
exciting as we go. 'Miniature 4' is a short piece, all soft and warm.
Things become much darker for 'Electronic Mirrors Part 3'. A slow bass throb
starts up accompanied by very faint ticking percussion and ethereal
mellotron. With such a fantastic build up you just know that the track is
going to be a belter and it doesn't disappoint. Things become more
syncopated all the time but the excitement doesn't finish there as the
blistering solos play their vital part in keeping the oomph level high.
'Miniature 5' is another interlude though a very pleasant one with gentle
percussive sequence and dreamy pads. 'Slow Polymorph' deploys the sequence
right from the off. It's a sedate bass one which combines exquisitely with
mellotron. This is really moody stuff which is in a similar style to Peter
Baumann's first solo album (high praise indeed). A fitting way to finish
such an excellent CD. The material for this album was recorded in 2001 and
it is amazing that it has escaped release until now, as it is some of the
best stuff they have done. If you liked the First Analog Overdose album I am
sure you will love this. (DL)
Dave Law, 2006
|
