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Synth Music Direct (UK)
Project Andrew Rotten - is it just me or does that sound
truly dreadful? I would have thought the CD would have been much better
released under his own name, Andreas Morsch. Andreas is the second member of
Pyramid Peak to go solo, the first being Axel Stupplich who records under
the name Axess. Both artists will probably not like me saying this but to me
this could so well have been solo Axess (from his first two albums) on the
purely electronic numbers and Axess and Maxxess on those including guitar.
Whatever, this is a fantastic album so please don't let little things like
the name it is recorded under put you off. The title track gets things
underway and initially it has a rather ominous feel. Echoing tones, some
bright and others heavy bass, fade into the distance. Things turn quite
melancholy then a slow rhythm starts up along with moody lead line. It all
had a rather early eighties Tangerine Dream sound to me. A second lead, this
time a real scorcher, increased the excitement so much it got my hand
playing air keyboard. It gets even better with the introduction of a
sequence, firing the second lead up once again to even more devastating
effect than before. A superb way to open the album. 'Sharp Sequencer' lives
up to its name by wasting no time in cranking up one of the said beasties
immediately, some lovely wailing guitar giving extra bite. The guitar then
seems to develop dual roles, one providing rhythm whilst the other provides
awesome lead lines. This is so exciting! Guitar and electronics in perfect
harmony. Absolutely stunning stuff.
'Again and Again' has quite a dramatic start with hissing effects before
settling down to soft mellow pads. Things really kick in the second minute
as a wonderful sequence and rhythm combination take centre stage. A
wandering lead line gives a contrasting dreamy feel. The sequence morphs and
becomes even faster increasing the excitement level still further. In the
sixth minute it is all change with a new sequence and rhythm keeping things
fresh for a final syncopated blast. 'Depression' is appropriately
melancholy, slow rhythms and sequences providing a lovely moody atmos. A
guitar enters in the second minute, growling low in the mix as a synth lead
pulls at the heartstrings. Yet another superb track.
'X-Ray' initially has an almost bouncy Jarre, 'Oxygene' type feel to the
sequence but as more elements are brought to play it develops a sort of
happy jaunty character all of its own. A little 'tongue in cheek' maybe?
'Breath' is another very moody one, starting with deep drones, sinister
sounds and effects and a lovely wistful three note melodic motif. The feel
changes completely a couple of seconds later as a bright bouncy sequence
makes an entrance. The pace quickens with the introduction of an excellent
rhythm and before you know it things have morphed into one of those numbers
that gets you driving way too fast. Again it all sounded like early eighties
TD to me- and all done so well. It isn't all one paced either as the tempo
rises and falls, tending to get moodier during the slower moments.
'Spiders on The Wall' is a real brooding number. It gets underway with some
lovely melodic interplay setting a rather ominous searching mood through
which a delicate sequence tiptoes. A slow rhythm falls into formation as we
continue the steady build up. Next element to be added is a sort of virtual
guitar sound, quite low in the mix, making things seem even more sinister.
'Pulse' has a lovely tranquil start. Little melodic flourishes add extra
interest, like the Sun's first rays penetrating the gloom, then a lovely
thick ballsy sequence comes in followed by a second exciting staccato one.
The intensity starts to build and we are soon moving along at quite a
scintillating pace. A sublime melody floats over the top contrasting
beautifully with the powerful boiling main body of the track. There is still
five minutes to go however- plenty of time to step up another gear or two
and this is exactly what happens with the introduction of drums and more
exciting leads then finally blistering guitar finishing the album with a
real blast.
This is a superb CD. All the tracks are excellent and should be loved, as
mentioned already, by anyone into Axess or indeed Axess and Maxxess. (DL)
Dave Law, 2005
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