Arcanum -
Man In The Mirror
(1997, Manikin Records MRCD
7029)
Synth Music Direct (UK)
A beautiful tune played on the piano with choral synth backing starts
‘Echoes of the Past’. Things are left to drift serenely before a
delicate rhythm picks the pace up slightly and acts as a framework for yet
more piano melodies. Later on a flute takes the lead and is one of the
best uses of this sound I have heard all year. The way the piano then
returns as if in answer is stunning. The overall mood is rather melancholy
and really pulls at the heart strings. The emphasis on this track and most
of the album is on melodic content and atmosphere. Four of the seven
tracks are over ten minutes so we don’t have pretty little sketches,
instead we get tracks that are as complex as human emotions. The slow
ringing of a bell introduces ‘Welcome to the Twilight Zone’ and is
very different to the last number with sequence, rhythm and electric
guitar taking centre stage. This a perfect example of how drum and guitar
sounds can be used in a laid back manner rather than heavy metal EM. Peter
Mergener could very well have come up with a track like this. An acoustic
guitar sound opens ‘Circle of Dreams’. This time though I think that
the lead lines are just a bit too sentimental and sweet but maybe I’m
just not romantic enough. Next up we have ‘The End of the Rainforest'.
The rhythmic sequence is simple but hypnotic even though it isn’t that
high in the mix. The lead line weaves spells over it. Just after the half
way mark a gentle sequence replaces its predecessor and a driving rhythm
makes an entrance but even this somehow manages to retain a delicate
quality. Acoustic guitar returns on the title track, weaves its spell and
is then joined by piano. Very pleasant - could be too pleasant.
‘Timehunter’ is very different from the rest of the album in that it
has much more in yer face rhythmics but still with great melodic
qualities. There is a much greater feel of optimism on this track. Finally
we have ‘New Horizons’ which finishes the album in a gentle reflective
way, moody and romantic but not too much so. Would be fantastic to play on
a summers day looking out over the craggy hills of the Penines. (DL)
