Artist: Rhea
P: 2008 / 2013
To me, Rhea's previous album was one of the best Space Music releases of the last several years. The disc contained floating, analogue and darkish cosmic synth tracks, all done superbly. It is only natural, therefore, that I am hoping for a follower that would be at least of the same caliber. "Around Floating Rings" immediately sets the stage for this deep space journey with slow, undulating synthesizer sounds. This is probably the deepest and darkest music I've heard from Mark. Little by little a relaxed synthetic pulse comes to the surface but then disappears into the void. However, the pulse returns after a while and then disappears once again. When it returns for the third time, you somehow expect it to appear. Strange track, really. Sounds like breathing to me, in and out, the tension builds and is then released, only to come back a couple of seconds later. Highly visual stuff. "Xanadu - Turbulence & Flyby" starts with a really deep ambience. It reminded me on the first minutes of the "Alien" movie. Remember that deep, cosmic hum? Charming. Various synth shimmers add to the tension, as faraway strings are barely heard beneath the cover of droning synthesizers. The use of subtle string orchestrations reminded me of Schulze around "Body Love" or even "Irrlicht". A sequence slowly creeps in, but the track retains its atmospheric elements, resulting in an intense soundscape that just echoes in the distance. This music breathes space. Little by little the sequence gets more prominent, giving a bit of a Berlin School flair to the track. This is Electronic Music of the highest order, dark and cosmic, just the way I like it. The longest track on the album, called "Dark Lake" begins with resonating metallic textures - very sci-fi and unearthly. Deep voices are combined with spooky synth shimmers, before a slow rhythmic pulse is introduced. Dramatic strings add a touch of melancholy as the track becomes rather Schulze-like (Mark uses similar chords). Phased pads melt in the pot full of synthetic sounds, as various noises, wind effects and distant clangs embellish the picture. Talk about evocative! Another massive track is "Saturni Luna". It starts with high-pitched synth effects, before a wonderful, melodic and very Schulze-like sequence fades in. The rhythm is supported by amazing analogue synthesizer sounds and chords. The sequences subside, as the track gets more profound, more symphonic and orchestrated. However, it is still masterfully subtle and deeply cosmic. The title track kicks off with rich symphonic synthesizers and a tinkling sequence. Another sequence joins the show but the track is still rather soft and very melancholic. So many tasty analogue sounds are used for this track, it will delight all fans of the classic EM works from the 1970's, especially fans of Klaus Schulze circa 1976 - 1977. Thundering effects lead us to the sea of distorted sounds and whooshing, stylistically veering towards Schulze's "Babel" even. However, the sequences return as the track gets even more emotional. Ethereal pads finish this piece on a subdued and trembling note. "Far Thunder" is the last and shortest piece. Interesting electronic effects paint an alien landscapes as rough winds blow above barren land. In come wonderful arpeggiated synthesizers, serving as yet another atmospheric element of this strange track sparsely populated by sounds. "The True Color of Titan's Lakes" is a great successor to "November Stars". Totally space!
Weight:
0,08
kg per
piece
