"Blind Watchers of A Vanishing Night" is an album consisting of live tracks recorded during various gigs in 2004.
The title track wastes no time with the lovely sequences appearing almost instantly - and what sequences they are - lovely pulsations straight out of the "Ricochet" school. Great Mellotron choir sounds add to the picture, as well as subtle synth soloing. Pure cosmic bliss! Stylistically this continues what started on "Return To the Origin", which means Berlin School music of the highest order. If upbeat sequencers with a melancholic flair (courtesy of Gert, I think) are your thing - this is the album for you.
"A Journey Through Time" is a long suite (44:01) with multiple parts.
The first part, "Solaris" is known from Gert & Ruud's previous effort as well as Gert's solo performances. Floating pads, melodic sequences, Mellotron flutes and a no-nonsense CS-80-like "harmonica" solo are the key elements here.
The second part, "Red Clouds Over A Misty Swamp" is all-atmospheric, with subtle synth soundscapes and distant Mellotron choirs. This is some real moody stuff!
"The Rise And Fall of Atlantis" takes things back to sequencer territory, with insistent string slabs and supporting pads.
"Waiting For the Day To Come" calms things down once again, but this time the atmosphere of suspense and fear prevails.
"Crystal Tears" has sequences that are slower but have more oomph to them - bass pulsations that remind on Klaus Schulze circa 1976 - 1977. Some lovely use of Mellotron flute sound on this one as well.
"The Day the Moon Will Leave Us" closes the suite on an atmospheric and a tad dramatic note.
"Moments of Unexpected Sadness" starts with excellent soundscapes but after a few seconds in comes an excellent melodic sequence which is then joined by yet another one and we are propelled forward on top of floating waves of sound. Excellent sounds, melodies, atmospheres and of course, sequencing. The whistling synth lead line is pretty tasty as well. Any fan of sequencer EM will swallow this track in no time! A lot of Mellotron strings are heard towards the end as well as some EMS chirping.
"Conspiracy of Two Forces"... Wow! This is simply the strongest bass sequencing I've heard from these guys so far. The pulsations are so punchy, they'll have your head spinning and your heart racing at full speed. On top of that we can hear Gert churning out a reflective solo. This is the best track on the entire album. The ultimate Berlin School number? The essence of Berlin-styled electronics? Perhaps.
"Driving Home On A Rainy Night" sounds like a continuation of the previous number with added electronic drums and Mellotron strings.
Excellent and somewhat cheerful / reflective finish to this great album laden with sequences, solos and atmospheres.
