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Synth Music Direct (UK)
Squelchy, almost manic, sonic pulses move up and down the audio spectrum
then gradually after the initial barrage settle down to wonderful edgy
dark textures. 'Le Vant Dans la Plaine' is certainly an inventive track
and we are only three minutes into it. Great crashing loping rhythms enter
like the steps of a giant. Lovely swirling melodic motifs add a further
sense of movement. It's all quite complex but also really beautiful. Throw
yourself right into the gentle sonic vortex to get the most out of it. We
flow straight into 'Twelve Celli', sampled wordless vocal colouring
serenely wafts from the speakers over string pads then solo cello and
violin sounds. This is so tranquil and spaced out, having a very Schulze /
Tiepold feel to it. A steady rhythm provides structure without damaging
the lovely peaceful atmos until a more urgent sequence begins to make
itself heard. Even so the beautiful cello never becomes the junior
partner. The earlier references are now even more obvious. What a
wonderful composition this is. Another tinkling sequence starts up as we
progress into 'Tangram' (no it's not a cover version!), cosmic twitters
launching skyward. A second faster sequence joins the first along with a
ticking high hat line. Things are given a little extra oomph as the drums
come in. It's a bit like a Broekhuis, Keller and Schonwalder
interpretation of Klaus' style (if you know what I mean!!!). Whatever,
it's another wonderful bubbling track, just close your eyes and let
yourself be taken along with it. 'Calais' is a relatively short piece
starting off as quite a dark cosmic number but then developing into a
blissful gently melodic track with ethereal wordless vocal colouring. 'En
Passant' initially carries through with this mood, introducing just the
faintest hint of melancholy. The subtlest of rhythms then a gentle
caressing melodic sequence bubble to the surface. A new bass sequence
rumbles into position, the original sequence stepping up a gear in
response. We get a tranquil interlude in the tenth minute but when the
drums re-emerge they come in flourishes and are deeper than before. There
is quite a serene feel but with a sort of restless edginess on the
fringes. 'Memories' (again not a cover version- thank goodness!) is one of
the best tracks on the album; a fantastic short tender gently melodic
piece which I wish could have gone on longer. The final track
'Ruckblenden' again starts in an ominous dark cosmic mood but doesn't
waste much time deploying the sequences (which have quite a disorientating
stereo effect when heard on earphones!). Once more, Klaus Schulze is the
obvious comparison. Rhythm and a high hat line fall into formation then
yet another sequence, this time quite melodic, becomes the main focus.
It's really quite complex but not remotely bludgeoning. Mellotron sounds
complete a perfect package. An absolutely stunning track and fantastic way
to finish off the album. (DL)
Dave Law, Synth Music Direct, 2008
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