'33 1/3 RPM Side 1' opens with unmistakable Mellotron refrains, mingled with church organ then choir. The anticipation is palpable. A laid back sequence emerges and the most beautiful 'tron flute interplays with the atmospherics. This is as much about space as content, the poignant moments of silence between the sequence lines make the music shine in contrast. The lights have to come down at this point, this music demands full attention. The simplistic sequence fades as more 'tron flutes exult a mesmerizing bridging section. The sequence them re-emerges with a slightly more complex texture. The way the synth lines interplay with the delicate pulsations is genius. The merest smattering of percussion is introduced, the individual elements remain simplistic yet the sum of the parts is mind blowing. A beautiful synth refrain which Schmoelling would be proud of tops out the structure. Mesmeric effects are then joined by Hammond organ and flute/choir to create another extended bridging section. Subliminally the sequences re-awaken and the full collection of elements are then combined to wonderful effect. An amazing opener.
On to '33 1/3 RPM Side 2' which initially presents more atmospheric magnificence. This is a brilliant section, wouldn't be out of place on the into/outro to 'Rubycon'. The track then begins to take true shape, as subtle sequence lines build underpinned by synth themes. It's very much a sibling to 'Side 1' but slightly more fleshed out and up tempo. The rhythmics suddenly consolidate and some totally fantastic flute refrains break through. Suddenly we're in the realms of a chilled out 'Dystopian Fictions' as a Logos style sequence is joined by another Arcane trademark - a totally infectious theme which infuses the mind. Total magnificence. The track then takes a temporary breather then emerges again, this time even more invigorated. The whole album has been building to this moment, Arcane fans will sit back and revel in the infectious glory. In the days of vinyl, 40 minutes was a healthy offering and I'd have been happy if they'd left it there. But as an added bonus there are three more tracks included here, none of which found their way onto previous albums. 'Dr. Wutzke's Psychedelic Wonder Machine' comes from the 'Thieves' soundtrack, and is in fairly stark contrast to the previous two tracks with up tempo, insistent, sequencing and strident synth themes. 'Silent Thief on a Desert Train' was taken from a rehearsal for the 'Milton Mount' gig and features menacing sequencing which builds gradually to a wonderful cacophony of pulsations, decorated by synth pads of various guises.
Lastly, but by no means leastly, we get 'The Taxidermist' and what a superb track this is! Again an unreleased soundtrack piece, this time from the film 'Ignitor', it is a sumptuously melodic outing with mesmeric sequencing and memorable themes. Wonderfully understated and all the more powerful for it, this track will come as a revelation to those who have cherished the low quality recordings taken from one of the rare broadcasts in the late 70's.
Overall this is an enthralling album. It has a more blissed-out feeling to 'Alterstill' and especially 'Future Wreck', but the key features that make Arcane one of the very top EM bands of the moment can be found in abundance. The remastering has been handled very well, the packaging is great, it really is another outstanding chapter in this band's already illustrious portfolio.
Quite simply a "must buy".
