|
Synth Music Direct
(UK)
Erik Seifert is yet another
of those new names to me and this recording, according to the liner notes
was recorded between the period of 1992 to 2003. It is also interesting to
note that his work is inspired by your usual suspects of Tangerine Dream,
Jarre, Kraftwerk and Vangelis along with some other perhaps lesser known,
but nevertheless auspicious luminaries.
Upon first listen it is not difficult to see the main influence being
Vangelis but upon closer scrutiny of the work one can notice the more
obvious influence of Tangerine Dream and there is even a brief Kraftwerk
moment thrown in for good measure!
The overture 'Liquid Thoughts', the shortest track at just over 3 minutes
offers a choral synth section laden with assorted effects. An effective
theme then an additional solo lead enters taking the track to its
conclusion.
'A Trip to Nebula Cluster' graces us next with its wash of obscure
undercurrents and bell type effects. Shortly afterwards a decent sequencer
pattern starts up and one of those typically early 80's sounding Vangelis
lead lines intertwines with the music. Eventually new percussive elements
are added later on in the piece together with the main theme. At 4 minutes
the piece changes with slight, mid-seventies era Jarre influences. The
Vangelis lead encountered earlier returns and the piece ends in chilled out
fashion.
'Before Lift Off' begins with a mysterious theme. Another of those early
Jarre influenced string sections returns and at around the 2-minute mark the
listener is treated to a high pitched sequencer pattern. A light percussion
loop appears and the piece goes through moments of transposition. Again the
piece moves between Jarre influences and even a brief moment of Ian Boddy
inspiration can be heard here. At just over 4 minutes a bell like theme
enters leading on to that brief Kraftwerk moment as previously mentioned.
The theme, sequencer/percussion work re-congregates for one final moment of
triumph before coming to rest.
Another of those 70's Jarre moments graces the first part of 'Acceleration'
with its expansive strings and effect layers. A high choral theme gives the
piece atmospheric leanings and it is shortly joined by a light percussion
loop. A stable theme is added under an array of intermittent sequencer
patterns. Remaining stable until that last minute or so when the piece
becomes more obscure. The engine fires up once more and blasts off to the
tracks' conclusion.
'Blue Sky' begins with soundscapes and effects together with the
intermittent inclusion of sampled space narrative. A slow bass sequencer
pattern emerges along with bell effects closely followed by a main theme. A
very film orientated piece.
'Lost in Space' contains more of those sampled space voices and is joined by
some effective analogue synth pads with white noise underlay. Further radio
effects create atmosphere leading on to a slow sequencer pattern and synth
chords. A solid lead line enters over what now appears to be a steady rhythm
section. There is a light and slightly melancholic feel to this piece.
With 'Outer Rim' we move off into strange synth effects territory. A mid
tempo sequencer pattern coincides with intermittent chord structures. The
Jarre-esq string section returns together with a bass percussion loop and
further sequencing. Additional light percussive elements take hold leading
on to a steadier rhythm loop. Power chords and a bell-type theme are
introduced eventually being taken over by a bright piano motif. The track
transposes at around the 5-minute mark and continues along the same path to
its end.
'Drifting Home (Bost Remix)' runs quickly into a mid tempo percussion loop
underlying effective synth chords. Samples flute effects enter and
eventually a steady and gentle theme is introduced. Piano orientated with
additional mysterious chords this piece eventually finds solace in a sea of
phased effects.
The final track 'Reentry' is the longest piece on the album at 8 minutes and
begins in continuation of the previous track. Further effects are added and
an intermittent sampled voice section, which appears at various intervals
throughout the whole piece enters. A stable chord is introduced together
with a suitable bass section. A slightly resonant percussion loop at around
4 minutes is added with underlying string section. A higher pitched theme
then enters but is kept way back in the mix. For a brief period just the
sequencer section and effects are to be heard over further delayed synth
patterns. The piece then fries up again for one last chance of sonic
oblivion.
This is an excellent album produced on an array of analogue and digital
equipment which should appeal to anyone into the more cosmic side of
Vangelis, Jarre and Tangerine Dream. Highly recommended! (DC)
Dave Cable, 2005
|
