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Synth Music Direct (UK)
A deep bass line is punctuated by the most wonderful six-note sequence,
getting 'Shirogane' off to a wonderful start. Gorgeous pads swell
underneath. There is a strange ticking percussive effect that when you
wear headphones sounds like it is coming from behind you- wild! Gentle
rhythms take us forward whilst a laser sharp lead line slowly weaves over
the top. The overall effect is of a completely blissed out chugger. The
combination of sounds here is just superb, emphasising once again just
what an outstanding composer Wolfram is. 'Rantum Random' immediately
deploys the sequencer again. This time it is more urgent but kept quite
low in the mix. Drums and a bass line pick up quite a groove with piano
lead skipping amongst the beats and pulsations. It is a little more
forceful than the opener but without really letting rip. I would say it is
a gentle body mover with quite a melodic hook. With a title like
'Operation PPG' I was expecting some real analogue sounding Berlin School
magic. After a traditional atmospheric opening followed by a high register
sequence I thought, so far so good but then a quite driving rhythm emerges
giving the whole thing a much more contemporary edge- but then again the
flutey synth backing sounded decidedly 70s, so it is a real mix of styles.
The thing is though, it all works really well together. By the seventh
minute the drums seem to be in a constant state of mutation, indeed they
sometimes disappear entirely, just leaving the sequence, solar winds and
that's about it. Even though great use is made of space there seems to be
so much happening. A fresh combination of sounds, rhythm or sequence are
experimented with one after another. For the last few minutes we return to
a similar feel to the first half of the track but with the addition of a
really fantastic sawing lead that will just make you want to punch the air
in pure joy. This is the best track on the album so far. 'Treskow Bridge'
has the most beautiful piano start. Drums are added, gently chugging along
but it is certainly the piano that is the main feature until some lovely
breathy pads come in. The piano isn't finished with yet however as it
makes a simply stunning return during the last few moments. Ideal for just
chilling out to. 'Below 20' is initially in marked contrast, sparse
effects mixing with a chilling wind and little bass rumbles. A wonderful
sequence starts to form whilst almost ghostly electronic tones shimmer
lower in the mix. Mellotron is added and a second sequence emerges-
absolutely fantastic! More gentle rhythms are introduced but it is the
sequence and delicate lead line which attract the attention most. All
rhythms depart in the sixth minute leaving sequence and tron to relax the
soul. A bass throb adds tension as the sequence morphs, gaining added
oomph as the rhythm returns once more. Another laidback melody meanders
through the soundstage then solidifies, becoming more strident. By the
eleventh minute things have been stripped right back again to the bass
throb with just a little synth embellishments and some very faint chatter
which is so low in the mix it can't be made out. Gradually things rebuild
as the individual elements from earlier return. Wolfram hasn't finished
with us yet though as it's all change again and we get something of a drum
fest before returning to atmospherics to finish. 'Future of the Past
EleKtriK' is a short finishing number and is the most commercial track on
the album with a bouncy rhythm and melody played on a number of different
lead sounds. It's ideal for both air keyboard as well as air drums and I
hope it will get your whole body moving as well as leaving a contented
smile on the face. I no longer have my copy of the 'Future of the Past'
album so I can't check for similarities but it sounds like nothing I
remember unless it is a reinterpretation of one of the melodies in a new
setting (maybe, maybe not). Wolfram seems to be able to turn his hand to
almost any style of music from downright weird, to modern ambient, to
Berlin School etc. Here he has produced one of his most accessible,
melodic and without doubt on this occasion most relaxed and laidback album
so far. (DL)
Dave Law, Synth Music Direct, 2008
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