Composed
and performed 1998 by Pyramid Peak
Originally released in January 1999 as Invisible Shadows ISCD019900, Reissue
produced 2009 by Pyramid Peak
Cover design by Lothar Lubitz, Photography by IanParker
Synth Music Direct
(UK)
A tinkling, very Tangerine Dream like sequence (late 70s) starts
proceedings but then quickly on its heals follows a brilliant rhythm and
melodic synth pads. Over it all is a completely stunning lead line. It is
the lead lines that put much of this CD way ahead of most. There is no
meandering here just carefully and lovingly composed melodies. In fact
they are so good that your attention is drawn away from the sequences
which is quite some feet as Pyramid Peak show on the opening tracks that
they are no slouches in that department either. What's more all this and
we are only in the first track 'Dreamscape Part 1'.
'Part 2' surely can't be as good. Wrong! This is yet another quality
offering, stopping and changing, keeping the attention of the listener
firmly in their grasp. 'Blossom Dust' (!!!) makes me think of TD's 'Thief'
album with maybe a bit of 'Le Parc' thrown in. . Solar wind effects get
'Quasar' under way but then other instrumentation is added simultaneously
combining feelings of both power and tranquillity The pace quickens.
Amazing drum sounds, sparingly used, keep the feeling of caged energy to
the for but the sequence speaks more of beauty with, at the same time, a
hint of danger.
'Sequence of Tenses' goes from pastoral beginnings to a full speed romp
where the sequences almost seem alive they are so fluid and dynamic. As if
they composed themselves without the need of human input. Title track time
next. We might therefore be expecting something atmospheric. Well it
certainly starts that way, as if we are hearing the breathing of some
strange vast creature. Only one and a half minutes in however and a
crystalline sequence dripping icy notes makes you think that things won't
remain too laid back for long. A bass sequence can be heard in the
background and another lead sequence is brought in though the bass line
ultimately takes over from everything else and the track moves up a gear
though still hardly the wham bam stuff that I thought might happen.
'Encounter' is another high register sequence number and the rhythm is a
bit boppy, reasonably pleasant but not my favorite track here.
'Fisherman's Hope' is again gently rhythmic and gets better and better as
it develops. Its just a shame that it wasn't longer. 'Wonderworld' has
much more of a 90s groove than the late 70s influences of earlier. One to
get you up on your feet or if you are driving making you go far too fast.
'Osaka Nights' is pleasant and well crafted, again gently rhythmic and
bobby. 'Explorer' spends the first five minutes of its ten minute duration
well out in the cosmos but then we get a rumbling bass sequence and voices
can just be made out, buried very deep in the mix. At eight minutes this
dies away and it is back to outer space until the end. (DL)
