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SynGate CD-R 2006

This is the second CD by Syn and basically if you liked the first 'Soundwave Traveller' you should also like this. 'Transcendant' begins with the sound of a plane landing then we are straight into a lovely mid paced sequence accompanied by some great analogue sounds. Edgar Froese's solo works came to mind, particularly 'Macula Transfer' and 'Ages'. Then again there are some bits which wouldn't have been out of place on 'Stuntman'. The Froese comparisons are actually apt nearly all the way through the CD. It's a great opener which works on every level, the melody being just as strong as the sequence. 'Slipstream' gets straight into an excellent sequence / rhythm combination.

The sequence reminded me very much of one of the tracks off 'Kamikaze 1989'. There is also a really nice moody lead line over the top, and the Mellotron at the end is simply gorgeous. 'Valles Marineris (edit)' begins with a rhythm which would have fitted perfectly on a Steve Roach album but with a backing of much more typical retro pads and wonderful tron sounds. It works extremely well providing a mid paced rather relaxing number which I just sunk into like an old comfortable chair. There is an appropriately rather cosmic start to 'Heart of Orion (edit)'. Quite dark thick pads are used as a base for brighter note droplets which fade into the distance. Again the combination of sounds and effects is perfect showing that Syn is just as competent a master of atmospheric detail as he is at deploying the sequencer. Like the first track 'Viking Mission' is another long one, this time at over eighteen minutes. The pace is picked up immediately as a rapid sequence strikes forth. Its very much late seventies TD but the superb lead lines would have been just at home on one of Peter Baumann's first two albums but still with many an Edgar Froese touch here there and everywhere. Awesome stuff!

The sounds used throughout this CD will take you right back to the mid to late seventies Berlin School heyday. Now 'Sonus Part 6' is a very curious one. For a start it reminds me so much of a hybrid of a couple of tracks I have heard before but can't quite place. The first part consists of dark waves of sound coming in crashes then in complete contrast there is a jaunty rhythm, a bit like Peter Baumann's 'Biking up the Strand' but I think there is an even closer comparison if only I can put my finger on it - ahhh! Even though a very similar palette of sounds is used here as on the rest of the album there is a very different 'feel'. Still lovely though. The title track returns us to a more typical mellotron / sequencer Berlin School blast. The sequence bounces along wonderfully and the surrounding sonic textures are pure perfection. In some ways it wouldn't have been out of place on 'Macula Transfer' but there is a little more of a bite or kick here than would have been found on that album. Simply an essential purchase for fans of retro / sequencer driven music. (DL)