Makowski, Frank

Artist: Tranquillity
P: 2001
Frank Makowski´s third solo appearance. More reminiscent to atmospheric and ambient influences than his older releases, but still rooted in the classic electronic music of the Berlin School. All tracks composed, performed and produced by Frank Makowski.
Immediately an ominous fast sequence strikes up getting 'Well Known Territories' to an energetic start. Pads swell and swirl underneath as the sequence becomes even more strident. There is a mean 'don't get in my way' feel to the music but this is actually as light as the album gets as all the tracks contain sinister undercurrents. 'Tranquillity' is one half of Ramp and even though this CD most certainly has an identity of its own its obvious that working within ramp has rubbed off in the darkness department. 'Overtones' is an atmospheric track which just drips malevolence. A deep drone gets louder and louder as if an alien craft is getting closer then passes overhead. The sounds picked are superb as the drones overlay each other, swirl. and constantly increase and decrease in intensity. One to be listened to on headphones with the lights out.'Aural Sediments' utilizes more dark drones, acting as a background for cracking sounds as if electricity is arcing then a superb moody sequence starts up. A slow melody plays over the top contrasting to the increase in pace and threatening nature of the sequence. The cracking effect has now become more rhythmic and great slabs of sound burst forth. Just before the half way mark we get momentary respite from the mayhem. A ball breaking bass sequence quickly develops however, added to by a slapping / splashing sequence. This could be music for some incredibly destructive cosmic battle. The sequences start to come in waves as layer after layer of devastation spews from the speakers. The sounds twist and distort, laser fire blasting through it all. Wonderful stuff! 'Harbinger' is another incredible dark slab of picture music. It begins with odd vocal effects as if hearing voices echoing from the bottom of a vast lift shaft, distorted by the echo so that what they are saying can't be made out. Think of TD's 'Wahn' without the manic drumming. 'State of Hysteria' begins with a 'train' type sequence, this is added to by another sequence which is brighter, bouncing along quite nicely. A great lead line is included, the second sequence is cranked up and mutates giving itself a harder edge. We are now really starting to hurtle forwards at great speed. Its another fantastic and powerful number. More is added all the time and already by the half way mark we have reached a glorious overload. Turn up the volume and throw your head back! We are brought back from the brink just in time as the track is stripped down to little more than the basic sequence. More effects are then added as are additional sequences and at any moment you think that we are going to return to the mayhem of before but gradually things wind down to the end. What a stonning CD.

Artist: Tranquillity
P: 1994
Debut album of the project TRANQUILLITY by Frank Makowski. Music heavily influenced by 80s Berlin School era. Still after all these years, the CD has still a catchy feeling with the nice melodies.