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Synth Music Direct (UK)
To some it might come as a
surprise that Robert Schroeder's greatest success sales wise was not under
his own name at all but instead under the pseudonym Double Fantasy (along
with guitarist Charly McLion). Their album 'Universal Ave' even made it into
the US charts! This project has now been rejuvenated with the new name 'Food
For Fantasy', Phil Molto replacing Charly on guitar. Enough of history
though- on with the music. A rhythm keeps emerging above mysterious
undulating drones then disappearing to silence again as the opener 'Remember
Double Fantasy' gets underway. Maybe it is supposed to represent the
awakening of some deep pleasant memories of the first album. Eventually the
infectious rhythm solidifies its presence and we bounce forward in pleasant
fashion. The title track comes next as guitar licks dreamily ring out. A
superb foot tapping rhythm comes to join the guitar and it is hard to keep
the head from nodding as well. This is really lovely, relaxed but also with
just that right amount of bite.
'Create Yourself' is all rather moody, synth touches mixing gently with
subtle guitar tones then flute type sounds. All very ethereal stuff. 'The
Spirit of Freedom' uses whooshy type effects to conjure up images of soaring
high in the air. A steady rhythm soon comes in and it isn't long before we
are beginning to motor along pleasantly accompanied by some lovely sunny
Sunday afternoon type melodies. Joyous and uplifting. 'Fast Food (Dinner
Version)' has more similarities to Robert's solo work than the other tracks
so far. Think of a cross between 'Galaxie Cygnus A' and 'Paradise'. It
really gets into a groove with lots of melodic touches. Personally, I could
have done without the orchestral stabs but that could just be me. There is
some great guitar that really lets rip. Things then become rather edgy in
the third minute only to explode into life again in the fourth. 'Missing
Reality' is very short at only a minute and a half but it is a gorgeous
moody number combining soft tones and gently strummed guitar. This moodiness
is continued through to 'Nightlights'. Melancholy guitar mixes with a slow
head nodding rhythm. Lay back on the sofa and chill.
'Fantasy Refresher' starts as if we are in some sort of cosmic storm out of
which an excellent sequence pulses into life. Again this is much more like
traditional Schroeder but with the addition of some sympathetic guitar work.
It's an excellent track and probably my favourite on the album. 'Long
Running Highways' in many ways has a similar feel to the previous track but
without the sequence. Instead there is a lovely jaunty lead line which duets
wonderfully with the guitar. There are hints of later Schroeder albums such
as 'Mindwalk' here but with an overall more 'mainstream' than EM feel.
'Fundamental Relaxing' has a soft floatey backing over which acoustic guitar
melodies weave a melancholy spell. It is a short rhythmless number. Simple
but beautiful. 'Keep on Searching' has a similar feel to the beginning of
'Fast Food (Dinner Version)' in that there are hints of earlier Schroeder
but given the super chilled treatment. The rhythms are slow combining
perfectly with almost seductive melodies. 'Fast Food (Snack Version)', as
might be expected, is a shortened mix of the 'Dinner Version', I suppose
more suited to radio play. All those who bought 'Universal Ave' as well as
fans of Robert's solo album 'Brain Voyager' should like this album. Don't
expect a demanding listen (Berlin School this ain't!), just first rate
chilled out grooves and melodies. I much preferred it to his recent CD
'Brainchips'. (DL)
David Law, Synth Music
Direct, 2005
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