Artist: Ebia
P: 2008
In 1997 Jörg Bialinska aka 'ebia' got his first synthesizer, a Raven-Max from Quasimidi.
Until 2001 it was his only instrument to compose music. Since 2002 his music is arranged with a lot of software-synths, e.g. PPG Wave 2.V, ReBirth 338 2.0.1, Dynamo 1.0, Atmosphere 1.0 and Reason 3.0.
'wavedancer' is ebia's third album after the debut 'elosophy' (2004) and its succesor 'star voyager' (2006). The cover artwork of 'wavedancer' is created by Christian Seipp.
The first track is called "H3O". It sets the stage with floating synthetic pads and rich symphonic textures. Soon wonderful sparkling arpeggios appear, reminding me on the glory days of Mr. Jarre (circa "Concerts In China"). However, it's not long before a pumping rhythm appears, taking things to modern EM territory. More arpeggiated synths are added for a rich, trancey electronic sound. I must admit that at this point the music is much more similar to your typical Trance / Goa affair, but fans of New Berlin School will find a lot to enjoy here. Needless to say, all sounds are of very high quality and programmed with great care. Sounds come and go and overall, "H30" is a driving, energetic and danceable piece of music. Some screaming analogue textures appear towards the end. Great stuff.
"Halo" begins in a more mysterious way, with resonant, droning synths and screaming arpeggios. A sequence starts as a menacing bass line supports the flow. A soft rhythm starts and a nice piano melody is heard. This is much closer to your typical EM - melodic, flowing and quite atmospheric. Nice music, this one.
"Mare Imbrium" is one of the longer tracks of this album. It begins with a really deep cosmic soundscape. A slow rhythm appears as the track retains its mysterious aura. Some bright sequences surface and gradually take over. I enjoyed the flow and the mood of this track but to my mind it was a bit lacking in variety.
The title track is next. Samples of voices give way for a bubbly sequence and a relaxed rhythm. And then come the pads. And what pads! Perfectly programmed, gentle, emotional textures. A string melody is also a perfect extra. This track kicks some serious ass. It's warm, emotional and comforting, reminding me on Klaus Schulze at his most gentle and introspective. New sequences are added, all of them perfect. This is by far the best track of the album. I just love those distorted melodic sounds (guitar or synth?) that appear around the 9-minute mark.
"Elements" kicks off with wonderful mysterious sounds like some bells tolling in the distance. A bass line gradually forms on the blanket of mysterious pads. An upbeat rhythm starts, bringing some focus to the composition although "Elements" remains rather minimalistic compared to the other tracks. It was also one of the least interesting ones for me. "Deep Quest" brings in the "chill" element, with its gently rolling, slow rhythm and melancholic pads. I enjoyed this electronic ballad a lot. It's relaxing, emotional and above all, full of great, sparkling sequences, some of them of the acidy, TB-303-like variety.
The final track "Flight to 987" is no less relaxing. Once again we are confronted with a slow rhythm, reflective pads and gentle sequences that lull you into a pleasant state of trance. "Wavedancer" is very diverse musically and it is difficult to place this album into any particular EM category. I suppose that "general melodic / rhythmic" will do but "Wavedancer" will appeal to most EM fans, regardless of their stylistic preferences.
Weight:
0,105
kg per
piece