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Synth Music
Direct
(UK)
When Synco finished I tried to
get into Frank's solo work but it failed to do anything for me. A little while
ago however a customer said I should try him again as he had come along way
recently. And he was right. This and another of his CDs I purchased were both
excellent. The title of the CD says it all really as if you are into the Berlin
School you should check it out. We start with the twenty-five minute 'Berlin in
the Evening'.
A simple four-note sequence starts proceedings. It comes and goes, each time
becoming more complex. Another sequence can be heard low in the mix in the
second minute. It builds and builds becoming the more interesting of the two but
also combines well with the original sequence as things start to settle down,
taking off in the fifth minute with the introduction of a steady rhythm and soon
after a playful lead line. A rather satisfying yet quite complex groove is
developed. There are some subtle ethereal pads in the background but really the
main focus is the sea of pulsations. In the tenth minute another heavier rhythm
enters and there is now so much going on it is hard to take it all in.
Three minutes later things calm down a little as we ride on the back of a single
sequence. By the sixteenth minute very subtle rhythm again comes in. We hold a
very similar pattern for quite some time until with about three minutes to go
things become much more rhythmic again taking us virtually to the end. A lovely
shimmering sequence and restrained rhythmic loop get 'Berlin at Night' underway.
It becomes quite hypnotic. Around the sixth minute the original sequence
intensifies and another comes in to join it. It's excellent, mesmerizing stuff.
Three minutes later a heavier rhythm is deployed but it doesn't detract from the
wonderful sequence which continues well after the rhythm departs, eventually
starting on a slow fade only finishing with the end of the track. 'Berlin in the
Morning' starts with pads. A lead line comes and goes like the first twinkling
rays of the sun as they rise above the horizon. It isn't long however before
another sequence / rhythm combination is deployed. It sounds like Klaus Schulze
especially in the lead line department but the whole package is fairly
reminiscent of the great man. It's the best track on the album, every element
complimenting each other perfectly. Sequences make a tentative entrance at the
start of 'Berlin at (old) day(s)' but it takes them a minute or so to settle
down into a couple of separate layers, bouncing and morphing around each other
very nicely. A lovely lead floats over the top whilst the pulsating backing
becomes more complex but also exciting. In the fifth minute the pace is
quickened still further. Little Schulzian touches similar to 'Drive Inn' are
added as is a bass beat. It's another cracking track.
Dave Law, 2003
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