Decapolis "The River" CD produced by Riley Roden.
Some of the rhythm lines do sound a bit Jazzy which is why some people
have given this recording that label, but a thorough listening will
convince you that it fits nicely into our typical definition of e-music.
OK, one track is real jazzy... but that's it... honest. The flute
synth
used throughout is reminiscent of the beginning of TD - Underwater
Sunlight
'Song of the whale part one', but more subdued. In fact it's
closer to the
later part of Johannes Schmoelling - Songs No Words 'Hymnus'.
Now I know
why Riley raves about Schmoelling so much... the resemblance is
unmistakable... I'm sure this is no coincidence. ;-) My
three favorite
tracks are 'The River', 'Sunset' and 'The Experience', in that order.
Track 1 - 'Cross Country' (6:35) starts out with tambourine, bells and
drums
followed by a strong bass synth lead backed up by an undulating, swirling
chord sequence. It picks up in intensity and it continues with
varying
interwoven sequences until it gently fades way. It sets a nice
mellow mood
to start off the album.
Track 2 - 'The Experience' (3:34) starts with an ethereal choral effect
accompanied by a bouncy synth line and then cymbals followed by a deep
bass
rhythm. Very sleek sounding. Variations of this combination
continue and
again fade away gently. I like this track a lot.
Track 3 - 'Sunset' (9:48) which is the track from the GTV1 sampler,
starts
with a snazzy drum beat, a swirling flute synth and a melancholy background
chord. Some nature sounds are heard followed by a nice mellow
synth
melody... very peaceful and serene. I picture sitting on the
beach at sunset
in Aruba sipping a Pina Colada... A steady rhythm keeps things
moving, and the track ends with the swirling flute and melody intertwining
and progressing towards the final fade out to end a very enjoyable
track.
Track 4 - 'The Chase' (4:40) begins with a strong techno style rhythm
which
sounds a bit 'South Pacific'... I picture hula dancers and torch jugglers...
then some bursts of symphonic chords reminiscent of Miami Vice or Hawaii
Five-0. This transmutes into a steady symphonic rock sequence
with plenty of
rhythm and more bursts of energy. Lalo Schifrin, where are you?
Track 5 - 'Moon' (3:30) continues with the same swirling flute sound
from
Sunset along with a more pensive choral and keyboard mixture which
then
shifts into an oriental sounding harpsichord rapping up this short
track
nicely.
Track 6 - 'The River' (11:51) continues with some pulsating chords over
which
a very smooth high melody is laid. Then a mellow drum line comes
in and I
really do feel like I am floating down a river on a raft with my third
Rolling Rock in hand. Then we hear some delicate piano along
with a deep
bouncy synth and some swirling effects to maintain the mood.
This gives way
to a wispy flute melody (hello, Johannes!) which provides the track
with
some more character. More swirling flute and piano... we're then
floating
down the river again... very nice... the best track IMO.
Track 7 - 'Good Vibes' (4:41) is a funky number with some chimes, cymbals,
drums, bass guitar and electric piano chops. Here's Riley's version
of
Stanley Clarke and Chick Corea... did we come to an unexpected island
getaway? I hear a whistle... wait... where's my raft?
Track 8 - 'Sunrise' (2:46) I guess I drifted off 'cause I'm in dreamland
now. Flowing grand piano and a magnificent melody ensue.
Paul Haslinger
it is not, but nice nonetheless.
Track 9 - 'Kim' (10:08) starts with a delicate weave of swirly flute
and
oboe melody... very relaxing... drifting along....... Wow, big jolt
now with
a drum line that kicked me up side the head... hey that's not nice!!
The
oboe melody continues... odd combination of sounds... I've got a headache.
Then the drum finally gives way to an ominous deep bass, strings and
undulating flute melody which brings me back to life again.
Track 10 - 'Smooth Sailing' (5:26) is a light bouncy affair with a good
mix
of rhythmic effects, a solid bass line and an uptempo lead chord.
Ahhhh... I
like this one. Now I'm kicked back and enjoyin' life... nice
cool beat...
oops!... is that a dog barking? Riley, get that beast out of
the recording
studio!! A ruined song... don't try to get cute! .... now
Rover's gone
and I'm mellowing out to this tune big time.... nice smooth ending.
Track 11 - 'The Third Journey' (3:04) is a rhythmic high energy track
with
an infectious beat reminiscent of Dream Mixes (not sure which track).
Too
short to develop into much.
Track 12 - 'Back in Business' (3:18) is an ambitious multi-layered melody
beginning with a beefy bass and a strong piano line followed by multiple
successive layers of varying synth effects. Must have been trying
out
all the factory presets in this one!? Nice sounds but a bit chaotic
and
unfortunately an abrupt ending to the track and the album.
Well I was hooked until track 7 or 8 then it kind of fell apart for
me. All in all a valiant effort but it seems like possibly an
attempt
to fill in the last 20 minutes to make it a respectable total runtime
(69:51). The sound quality is excellent... comparable (to my
ears) to any
'professional' recording. The artwork on the cover is striking
- a surreal
futuristic landscape of mountains, sky, river and some abstract geometric
shapes in a monotone royal purple shade... nicely done.
Mark Fonda