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Synth Music Direct (UK)
This is the third solo
album by Axess. The title track gets straight into a rapid twangy sequence
and chugging rhythm which really motor. More drums are added giving even
greater oomph. Some lovely little dreamy / breathy touches provide excellent
contrast combining with a repeated melodic motif. 'The Uncertainty
Principle' uses an infectious slow loping groove which finds a perfect
companion in an excellent melodic sequence. Get those air drums out and give
them a good bash! You will have to switch to air keyboard though a few
seconds later to play along with the superb lead line. 'Cuba Libre' has a
rather odd distorted echoing beginning before developing a sort of trancey /
dancey quality but with a slow moody ethereal melody providing a fascinating
juxtaposition with the rhythms. There is even a slightly Jarre type sequence
thrown in their for good measure!
'Fly Away' if anything is even more dance orientated than the previous
number. It is handled with real skill, full of many lines of shifting
pulsations with some little sublime melodies that drift softly but
exquisitely over the top. 'Mirror of Illusions' has real attitude, the drums
slowly rolling, with almost a snarl. A fast fizzing sequence exudes between
the beats. A blistering lead completes a perfect picture as it flashes from
the speakers. A second moodier melody alternates with the first before
joining forces. I can't praise this track enough- simply awesome! 'Pharao'
uses insectile twitterings as a background to ethnic chanting. A slow rhythm
enters in the second minute. The whole thing has a rather lush dreamy feel.
'Bombay Fruit Market' begins with some rather 'odd' vocoded text but a rapid
metallic sequence soon takes over and for the third time on the album a mild
dance rhythm can be heard. The melodies and sequences combine together to
make an extremely catchy piece that you will find it hard to keep you feet
still to.
'Lost in Space' is another slow body moving number with a lovely uncluttered
feel where the melodies are again spot on. 'The Voyage' has a rather breathy
whimsical beginning out of which a shuffling almost squelchy rhythm
develops. A melodic sequence / loop then additional drums kick the track
into life, becoming more syncopated all the time. As with most of this album
however it is the melodies that take it way above your average dance tinged
offering. This is beautiful but also energetic at the same time. We finish
with 'World of Secrets'. Initially it is all tranquil, even cosmic, with
some 'on the edge of a dream' type sounds. Ethereal pads make things seem
even more spacey. A rather Berlin School sequence pulses to the surface,
accompanied by subtle rhythmic touches. More sequences / loops are added and
we are soon chugging along nicely. We finish with quite a long atmospheric
section making use of lovely wordless vocal type pads. (DL)
Dave Law, 2006
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