Disc: Is There Anybody Out There...?
Artist: Various UK
Serial : CLPCD008 / AD30CD
1. Paul Lawler - Dead Roads
This is a pleasantly '90s TD excursion. I didn't realise just how
important TD's later work was until I started listening to more
of the 'competition'. That sound of multi-layered 'beepy' sequencers
with less defined lead work is found in a lot of the '90s sound,
paticularly amongst Europeans. This is a good example of the style.
2. Redshift - Ether (Live at Jodrell Bank)
God, I wish I'd been there ! These guys are the reincarnation of
Baumann, Froese and Franke. This excerpt is particularly reminiscent
of Encore and Ricochet with powerful multi-layered sequncers,
sequencer-driven white-noise percussion and incredibly Froese-ish
guitar. The lead lines could have come straight off the latter
half of Monolight, with some beautiful, focussed analogue synth
lead, oboe and guitar. Redshift carry on the tradition of playing
a lick and developing it over a few bars, embelishing with
counterpoints on guitar, etc. There's even a quick (possibly
deliberate) reference to the main 'Phaedra' lick in there. This
is the future of the past (as someone else brilliantly put it) !
The best track on the album by far. Can't wait to hear the new
album.
3. Ashok Prema - Dancing Dust
I suppose if I'd produced a disc touted as containing the 'best of
British synthesiser music', I would have included myself on it, too.
Ash Prema makes tinkly inoffensive slightly Eastern music on synths.
That's about where any claim to 'Electronic' music ends. It's quite
a pleasant little track for all that, though. If you're familiar
with 'Of Times and Places', there'll be no great surprises, here.
If anything, Ash has spent some time getting decent sounds out of
his gear (or getting someone else to do it). This makes the overall
sound less grating than previous efforts.
4. David Wright - Sygyzy
This is a very nicely produced track. Wright produces a nice wash
of sound somewhat reminiscent of Pickford's Replicant (perhaps
the spoken words in the background enhance this feeling). Very warm
and 'enveloping' sound. It gets a bit spiky later on when the
drums start - the snare drum in particular is way too hard. Pickford
fans should definitely check this track out, though.
5. T-Bass - Nemesis
T-Bass's Infection of Time was brilliantly produced and sounded
very well balanced. This is a live version of Nemesis (from
the forthcoming album, I believe), and the guys were let down a bit
on the mixing front. Some very nice smokey sax work.
6. AirSculpture - Krell Metal
Cloudy, digital washes of sound introduce this piece. There's
a build-up of volume and a turn to a slightly more ominous air
which introduces analogue lead playing against a beautifully
powerful chord sequence. A slightly 'lumpy' bass sequencer
appears, which settles into a more motoric driving pulse
through time as more layers are added on top. This sequencer
pattern is killer ! Almost exactly between the TD Moog sound
and ravey TB-303 squelchiness. Lead guitar rises out of the
sequencer. This, very much IMO, is AirSculpture's weakness -
the lead never really seems to DO anything. Whereas Redshift
play the same phrase over and over, AS tend to explore as
many areas as possible within the allotted time. Now, don't
get me wrong. I know (from talking to John) that the intention
of AS is to be the primo, numero uno live improvised electronic
band in the world. If that's what you're looking for, it's all
right here. Streets ahead of many TD '70s boots !
7. Paul Ward - 10175
I f**king HATE stupid titles like that. Stop it NOW ! This is
a quirky electro-pop tune in the style of early '80s Thomas
Dolby, with slight leanings towards Devo. Unfortunately, there
is no singing on it - this would have made a great BACKING TRACK.
8. RMI - Pyramid
The same criticism I made of Elemental's 'Lux Aeternae'
applies here - there are great sounds, well executed
soundscapes, etc. but nothing really stands out in my memory
of the track. It's dark, scary, restrained, and yet......
it just stays in the same place for 10 minutes. THAT's the
problem. No development.
9. Andy Pickford - 4QNRX
Well 4Q2 Andy, for coming up with a title like that ! This is
the best-sounding track on the album. Very well produced.
Musically, it's pretty exciting, too. Squelchy analogue bass,
ethnic lead, somewhat Ozrically Moroccan. This is nice to turn
up loud. A rocker - you'd love it, Elana.
10. John Dyson - Nazarene
I'd heard bad reports of Dyson being a bit too wishy-washy
for his own good - a bit too new-agey. This track sounds very
nice to me, though. Appropriately, it's an epic, Biblical
string piece. Visions of sunlight peeping from behind clouds
in the Holy Land. All you need is a voiceover from Charlton
Heston ! Nice track.
Buy this disc ! You can't afford not to.
Reviewed by Grant Middleton
(
geocities.com/sunsetstrip/lounge) (
geocities.com/sunsetstrip)