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Klangwelt - The Age Of Numbers
(2003, Spheric Music SMCD 6101)

The first CD by Klangwelt 'Weltweit' was a big seller for SMD and this follow up shows that it wasn't just beginners luck. Gerald Arend, the man behind Klangwelt is a class act.

The ticking of a clock gets 'Zero' underway. Some half heard vocal samples are added. It isn't long though before a bouncy sequence starts up along with a beautiful staccato melody. It's a cracking opener which gets even better as more sequences come into play. It reminded me very much of early Jarre. It is tuneful in every department but also very slick, professional and above all accessible. There is even a lovely little moody bit at the end. Stunning. 'Enigma' has a slow rather abstract start. A delicate pulse then provides a little structure through which some nice rather melancholy organ playing emerges. The pulse speeds up a little and more wonderful melodies are introduced but still with that hint of sadness. The mood then lightens slightly with the introduction of a first rate tuneful sequence. This is a wonderfully composed track developing right to the end. Another winner.

'Self Similar' is syncopated right from the off, good vocal samples nestling amongst all the pulsations. Again the Jarre influence is obvious. Throughout we are in sequencer / rhythm driven heaven but never without skilful attention to melody. 'Meander' has a rather atmospheric beginning, even slightly eerie. It isn't long though before a lovely bouncy sequence takes its first tentative steps. This is a thoughtful, delicate piece though, no rhythmic blast, giving us opportunity to relax and catch breath. 'Wheel of Fortune' has more samples at the beginning then a lovely virtual acoustic guitar lead line which calms the soul as well as pleases the mind. A rhythm starts up, then another but it never becomes too forceful instead provides a framework that will get the head gently nodding whilst listening to yet more wonderful melodies. 'Topologique' gets underway with a rather jolly stop start little tuneful motif around which some subtle percussion is added. A flute lead is introduced after the half way mark making things even more pleasant and easy to get on with.

Radio chatter acts as initial backdrop to 'Lucky Numbers'. A delicate sequence goes on its playful way but the little melodies that come to surround it are again simply beautiful. More rhythm is added in the third minute giving that little extra drive but somehow without denting the exquisite mood already created. A minute later there is a twist and we get spoken text through which the melodic sequences and drums surge through even more. Yet again Jarre is the obvious comparison. 'Long Distance' is seriously mellow with another plucked string melody and piano as well as very pleasant tinkling sequence. It wouldn't have been out of place on Chris Franke's 'Pacific Coast Highway'. 'Infinity + 1' carries on in similarly tranquil fashion, a slow rhythm providing just a little structure for calm pads. More melody is then introduced but it's still very laidback stuff. 'The Beauty of Numbers' is a track dominated by piano. It starts off rather sparse but as things progresses the playing becomes more complex and washes of synth provide bright colouring.

So this is an album containing both upbeat numbers, mainly in the first half and mellow tracks, especially as we get closer to the end. Klangwelt is skilful in both styles. (DL)

David Law, Synth Music Direct, 2003

Klangwelt

O XOIO
O The Age Of Numbers
O Weltweit

compilations:
O Mystic Spirits Vol. 6
O Syntonic Waves Vol.8

label:
O Spheric Music

website:
O www.klangwelt.info