Artist: Star Sounds Orchestra
Tracklist:
1 - Lift Off (Sun) 06:06
2 - Lago Di Luna (Moon) 06:43
3 - Ritual (Earth) 05:08
4 - New Lyra (Mercury) 15:09
5 - Ironman (Mars) 07:12
6 - Plutonia (Pluto) 06:32
7 - Hippios (Neptune) 09:59
Star Sounds Orchestra comprise Steve Schroyder (remember him from Tangerine Dream in the early 70s?) and Jens Zygar. Intense exciting metallic drones give way to effects and samples of a rocket taking off for the appropriately titled 'Launch'. A rapid sequence starts up that will get the pulse racing over a quite dynamic swirling backing. High register lead lines combine anticipation with slight anxiety. 'Lago Di Luna [Moon]' introduces a bass sequence and excellent rhythmic loop, keeping the excitement level high as we storm towards our next stellar object, a sighing softness imparting a feeling of wonder. 'Ritual [Earth]' begins with insect type effects and the sound of what could be a spacecraft landing. Ethnic type rhythms then mix with an organ sound giving quite a primeval feeling that reaches deep inside as we are carried along on the insistent groove. Things get even better as a really superb flute lead line soars over the top. 'New Lyra [Mercury]' brings things down to dark depths, a bass gong creating deep reverberations through the ether. A sequence can be heard forming low in the mix. Piano lead line changes the mood completely scattering percussive notes like a beautiful soft rain. Gentle pads create a feeling of peace and wonder. What a really lovely track. 'Ironman [Mars]' is much moodier at first then gets into a really intense rhythmic section reaching almost rave proportions! There are the occasional softer interlude but basically this is high-energy stuff. Completely crazed- not for the faint hearted! 'Plutonia [Pluto]' has a really mean forceful rhythmic backing with ominous cosmic whooshes and effects flying over the top. There is a real mean edginess here that paints the vividest picture music of a Hellish realm full of evil natives and victims for sacrifice. 'Hippios [Neptune]' uses massed string pads to create a feeling of grandeur. A fragile but beautiful little melody shines out before all descends to extremely deep rumbles with the most delicate of sonic washes over the top. The melody keeps returning forming a marked, though very effective, contrast with the backing. For the most part this is a really lovely album balancing beautiful subtle melodies with intelligent rhythms- but then there is 'Ironman [Mars]' which is something else entirely.
