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Synth Music Direct (UK)
This music was composed after they were
asked to play Jodrell Bank. It is inspired by the place. Being amateur
astronomers they know it well. It was given its first performance at the
gig but it must be emphasised that this is a studio album, not a live one.
It was recorded long before their JB performance. Its an album of great
maturity taking fans on a journey through new realms as well as staying
true to their roots. The production is first rate giving the album a
smooth almost 'slick' feel.
Waves of sound emanate from the speakers followed by a contrasting
delicate piano melody. The repeated melody develops a rhythmic quality of
its own. Further fantastic lead lines are added as 'Jodrell Bank Mark I'
turns into an awesome opener for an incredible album. Sequences, melody
and above all excitement are delivered here by the lorry full. 'Long
Distance Light' starts in relaxed fashion. Suitably slow drums are added
and an equally appropriate lead floats over the top. This would be ideal
music to laze to on a hot summers day. Just let yourself be taken along on
the back of the exquisite floating pulsations, caressed by the beautiful
melody. We drift straight into 'Echoes From Shooting Stars'. Warbling
waves of sound shimmer from the speakers and another highly melodic lead
line is created. Close your eyes and let it raise your spirit to a higher
level. The pace quickens as high hat lines are added then a distinctly 90s
rhythm starts up followed by others to suddenly shift us into overdrive
but then just as quickly as it came it vanishes returning us to the beauty
of before. We keep alternating between power and light until we travel
through the highly atmospheric 'Population and.......' to
'..........Evolution' on the back of a sequence that becomes increasingly
dominant as 'Evolution' gets in full flow. More sequences are added and a
rhythm strikes up which really starts to let rip appropriately evolving
into a real body mover.
'Jodrell Bank Mark II' begins with a typical retro sequence which mutates
becoming more complex but also melodic, acting as the lead line as well as
the backbone of the track. A shuffling rhythm is added and a fantastic
repeated melodic motif gives it that extra umph. Some appropriately spacey
vocal samples are introduced then a brilliant Schulzian lead makes an
already superb track perfect. What an amazing track this is- the best on
the album. 'The Universe Itself' swells with vast triumphant pads. The
lead line is very Vangelis sounding, euphoric with a hint of questioning
innocence.
'Descent To the Black Sun' utilizes high hat percussion over an earthy
beat, its very effective I just wish it could have gone on for much
longer. We finish with 'The Dream of Lovell'. Again Vangelis at his most
tender comes to mind. It comes over as emotional theme music to a
Hollywood blockbuster. Its got everything, symphonic surges, heart rending
melodies and delicate picked strings. It could be thought of as slightly
'mushy' but even though I'm a miserable old bugger I found it profoundly
moving. (DL)
Dave Law, 2001
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