The overall sound of T-Bass is very reminiscent of both Ultravox
(especially Billy Currie's input) and Mark Shreeve's powerful synth
rock. Throw in some solo Paul Haslinger and you're there. Big pounding
drums (but not annoying, if you know what I mean), wailing Jan Hammer
solos, '90s TD sequencers and soundscapes. If you like the more
uptempo elements of "220 Volts Live", you'll like this.
The Tracks :-
1. Storm Front
A real kicker to get you in the mood. I'd LOVE to hear this one
live. Cool melodies and chord sequences.
2. Tranquility Bass
Big scary soundscape opener. Schmoelling-era sound. Then a '90s TD
transition introduces a more uptempo section. Nice bubbling bass
sequencer.
3. The Infection of Time
Very TD-esque opening. The melodies to my ears are FAR BETTER than
anything TD has done in the '90s. So there. :o)
4. Mariner
As Dave points out in the liner notes, this is inspired by epic
sea voyages. Very, very cinematic. I could imagine sitting in a
theatre as the opening credits roll up and getting a few shivers
down my spine.
5. Ozone Park
A quirky synth-pop tune. How on earth do you guys manage to have
such loud snare drums without giving me a headache ? Do you run
your drums through a Roland 'Tylenol' Drum Equaliser unit ? Later
on comes THAT Ultravox lead sound - Heaven. Melody somewhat
reminiscent of Yazoo's "Nobody's Diary".
6. Inferno
Scary stuff. Huge soundscape, forever rising, climbing upwards.
7. Four Wheel Jive
Driving music, unsurprisingly. The Ultravox lead sound again. Or
maybe it's closer to Schmoelling's Moog sound on Hyperborea.
8. The Torch
Start reminds me of "Treasure of Innocence", which is ironically my
fave cut from 220VL (ironic because I know others would love to yank
it off their copy of the album). Go and give Edgar some lessons in
conciseness, Dave. The lead later on is well considered and
executed.
9. Network of the Heart
I'm really not a sax fan, but if you like Spa-era TD, I'm sure this
will turn you on. I LOVE the way the intro builds up - very Blade
Runnerish. Smokey bar at 3am music.
10. Lovesong
An upbeat note on which to end the album. Nice powerful chord
sequence and more of an implied melody during the 'verse'
sections. Big bassy analogue end.
Hmmm. I think I'll pop it on again...
The last thing I'll say about TIoT is that the production and mastering
are brilliantly done. The sound is very balanced and (importantly) very
easy to listen to (that's not to say it's easy listening, of course :)
Too many times have I had to switch off my personal stereo because of
bad mastering. Not so with T-Bass.
If you love Mark Shreeve, give this a whirl - you won't be disappointed.
> Web Site : http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~dhughes/tbass.html
> email : dhughes@globalnet.co.uk
Reviewed by Grant Middleton
(
geocities.com/sunsetstrip/lounge) (
geocities.com/sunsetstrip)