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SynGate CD-R 2098

Some lovely deep analogue cosmic twitters reverberate and then echo into the distance as the fantastically spaced out '61 Cygnus-Alpha' gets underway. If I were to put on more planetarium concerts I think I would play this over the PA as people were coming in. It would set just the right atmos. Close your eyes and let your mind take you to the depths of uncharted space. There is a warmth to it all though, a sort of comforting environment enveloping and protecting us on our journey. Some of the effects were so bass laden my speakers could hardly cope. From the eighth minute a lovely retro organ sound comes in giving things a rather 'Zeit' feel but this is more the backdrop than the main thrust, as a sort of slow moody guitar lead line takes the main focus. This is the only track on the album not to use sequences and the same laidback feel initially continues through 'Sea of Orion'. A suitably watery scene is set as waves break on the shore. Sonic shimmers add to the peaceful setting and seabirds fly overhead. Wonderful lush analogue drones rise through the mix. A slow relaxed rhythmic loop appears in the sixth minute driving things forward. A lovely ethereal melody dreamily plays over the top. It really come to life however when the sequence makes an entrance. An aggressive lead line completes a compelling oomph laden picture.
'Crystal Dreaming' has a very effective organ lead that is played in quite an aggressive percussive way, repeating a rather staccato melody. This forms the backbone for the entire track. A delicate ticking rhythm falls into formation accompanied by some excellent high register splashes then angelic mellotron choir. The wonderful mesmerizing brew seems to become more intense by the moment. Things get even more powerful and awe inspiring as yet another excellent sequence is launched into this fantastic bubbling cauldron of sound. A new lead line meanders over the top. What a superb track!

There is an honesty to this album. I don't think Syn was trying to do anything too clever, instead just enjoying making the sort of music he loves on the sort of retro pieces of kit that seem equally as close to his heart. He does have a natural feel for 70s based sequencer music and to me this comes over more on this album than any other I have heard by him. (DL)