N:Force

Artist: Norman Friedenberger
P: 1997
Here we have a collection of new tracks and remixes from Norman Friedenberger plus a couple of numbers composed by Chris Franke. ‘Black Garden View’ is the first of the Franke tracks and Norman’s interpretation makes it a great driving piece with insistent rhythm and sequencing. At nine minutes it is slightly too long though. ‘Living Fast’ is a short piano based track and is again great in the car with a catchy melody and rhythm. In contrast to the last piece I wish this had been longer. ‘An Afternoon on Cyber-Beach’ progresses from its very atmospheric beginnings to another really beautiful, delicately rhythmic number full of interest and movement. ‘Fathomless’ hangs around a dance beat but really doesn’t do enough to hold my attention. ‘Mind Bender’ has a shimmering introduction which is replaced by another dance beat. The melody is played on the piano and is pleasant without being stunning. ‘Two Virtual Adventures’ brings us another dance beat and is a bit of a yawn I’m afraid. ‘Prototype Part 1’ has a superb rhythm and the textures underneath fit perfectly. The pace slows for the middle section but retains the interest well. A nice piece. ‘Stranger in a Strange Land’ is another cracking rhythm / sequencer outing. Things build nicely and there is a lot going on, I just wish there could have been a bit more variety in the sequence. We then move on to the second Chris Franke number ‘Mountain Heights’. Very different from the original, this is another one that would really get your foot hard down on the accelerator pedal. Thudding drums and fast rhythms are the order of the day and they make for the best track on the album. Last up is ‘Atmosphear’ and as the title suggests it is a pleasant floaty affair. A good way to finish the album.

Artist: Norman Friedenberger
P: 1997
Here we have Norman Friedenberger again, this time under the guise of N:Force (alter-ego’s of one type or another seem to becoming popular!) The reasoning here is that N:Force is the vehicle for more uptempo excursions, bordering on dance territory. ‘An Afternoon on CyberBeach’ opens with a mid paced beat, busy sequencing and subtle motifs which are pitched at just about the right level. It’s an encouraging start which is reinforced by ‘Destination SpaceVault’. The track opens with a countdown, followed by NASA samples which overlay a drifting section with a quirky motif which after a few listens really gets into your head. Soon uptempo dance rhythms take centre stage, ably supported by silken pads and bass sequences. ‘SunSeeker’s Dream’ pumps up the jam with “hip” electronic pulsations. Themes are kept to a minimum leaving the beat to dominate. ‘OverStimulated’ is a short but entertaining outing with more power-house rhythms and blistering detail. ‘Elaborate Temptation’ is more of a chugger with piano themes and excellent syncopating synths. ‘Stranger in a Strange Land’ serves up more busy sequencing and rhythmics, while ‘Riding the Nautilus’ maintains the pace with enthusiastic bass beat and plenty of detailed electronics and motifs. ‘Interference 19’ is a bright and well constructed piece of uptempo synth work with strong melodies and a well chosen set of voices, and the elements are further developed on ‘Ethereal’ and ‘The Abyss of Evanescence’ which both ooze confidence and sophistication. ‘Private Atlantis’ brings the album to a close in epic fashion with just over 3 minutes of top notch noises and ethereal synth chords. Initially this album impressed but somehow it washed over me. Closer scrutiny has unearthed its true potential and not many who buy this will be disappointed.

Here the last copy!

Artist: Norman Friedenberger
P: 1996
The music you are about to experience on this CD is a boost of emotional and uplifting Tangerine Dream 80's sound at it's very very best!
Norman plays with heart & soul and the music will definetely light a spark in your mind and take you back to the heydays of TD. It could be described as a cross between Rob Esser's album 'A Lizards Walk' & TD's album Tangram at certain places. Except that the music here tends to be more uplifting and evocative, and played like you were floating into a landscape of lush dreams, never heard before.
It's hard to tell if everything is structured as a one long composition or in separated tracks, as there is very little to no stoping in-between the tracks. But to me, this only makes the album more of a journey without any stops, so to speak.
This CD is guaranteed to make your day happier and fill your soul with emotions and bliss that can only be described when listening to it.
I can't count how many times I've been listening to it, but I certainly never seem to get tired of it, it's that good! A must have disc!!
MIND ODYSSEY features swaying carpets of vibration and sound that take the listener on a fantastic musical voyage. Arranged by composer Norman Freidenberger, this explorative uplifting work is an energetic mosaic of atmospheric tones and vibrational harmonies that touch the soul deep within.
Delicate spacious melodies in MIND ODYSSEY guide the listener on an inspirational path to a universal oneness. Friedenberger's keyboard artistry offers a profound journey onto musical landscapes for an intense connection to the higher self. Evocative circular tones, celestial instrumental arrangements, and ethereal harmonies enhance inner tranquility and a sense of rejuvenation. MIND ODYSSEY takes the listener on a fascinating and transformational adventure through time and space, away from the trival distractions that can cause stress.

Artist: Norman Friedenberger
P: 1996
The album opens with ‘The Ivory Tower’, a short but ever-so-sweet presentation of gossamer pads weaving a silken thread. The mood continues into ‘Through Imaginary Landscapes’ where laid back sequencing and subtle rhythmics provide admirable supporting roles. ‘Dance of the Hydra’ continues seamlessly offering yet more high quality textures with an appealing air of confidence. ‘The Divination’ combines a heart-beat style backing with synth pads, and this is further nurtured throughout ‘Corona Borealis’ which rides on a wave of subtle motifs and subliminal detail. ‘Memories of You’ contains a pleasing piano/synth combination of elements, and the title track which follows continues the form with a delicate approach. Moments reminded me of Jon Serrie and fans of his music will certainly be impressed with this. ‘Escape From Tartaros’ has a bass sequence which ups the tempo slightly, but it’s still firmly in late night mood music territory. ‘Fathomless’ has an unmistakable Enigma style rhythm which is overlaid by more quality synth work with extended string voices and other vox detail. Overall this is a quality offering which explores the laid back end of the spectrum with impressive skill.