Volt

Artist: Volt
P: 2012
The English synthduo VoLt, consisting of the experienced electronic musicians Michael Shipway and Steve Smith, has (in case of releasing studioalbums) been on hold since their excellent 2007 album “Nucleosynthesis”. But individually the guys weren’t on hold at all. Shipway has recently released the great album “The Three Towers” which he recorded together with guitarplayer Gareth Jones under the “bandname” Lamp. Smith has made a wonderful album called “Phoenix Rising” as Steve Smith And The Tylas Cyndrome.
But now it is time again for VoLt.
Shipway and Smith have the gift to compose electronic music that clearly has it’s roots in the retro-electronic music but actually has removed itself a lot from “Berlin”, so to say. They manage to combine the traditional elements like long sequencerpassages, ambient intros and analog effects with a great deal of melody and that is a wonderful thing. ”Circuits”, their fifth album on the Groove Unlimited label, consists of three long tracks, varying from 19:20 minutes to 21:36 minutes. The titletrack opens the cd with widely stretched effects, after which beautiful atmospheric sounds fall in. The guys play a wide line of fine instruments, like the impressive Korg Oasys. Slow sequences come in and they start soloing softly. The sequences become fuller, accompanied by rhythms, and a wonderful melodically track is born. The second piece “Ohms Law” starts with massive vocal sounds en effects. The sequences and rhythms that follow have references to the classic Jean Michel Jarre “Oxygene” and “Equinoxe”, keeping the mix between retro and melody in tact. The electric guitar-like solosound is very good. Darkness opens the last composition “Firewire”. It almost feels like you are inside a cathedral during a Tangerine Dream-concert halfway the seventies. Than melody enters and the for VoLt so typically thrusting sequences are added. This ends the cd in an almost euphoric way.

It is good to have VoLt back after five years. Michael and Steve are really two unique electronic musicians with their special way of retro. Let us hope the next one will not take another five years.

2012. Paul Rijkens

Artist: Volt
P: 2013
One of the best Synth duo's in the world, with Particles they take you on a micro electronic journey through their musical world..
 

Artist: Volt
P: 2004 / 2011
VoLt’s sophomore release is a surefooted follow up to The Far Canal, raising the bar with these four lengthy excursions into deep space teutonics.
A soft yet brisk crystalline sequence brings us to “Escape Velocity” as the disc opens in dreamy vintage style. Michael Shipway and Steve Smith deftly avoid tipping their hand too early, holding back a gently rolling bass line until past the 4:00 mark, adding an effective synth solo a bit later on, and leaving the drums at home entirely. This track has a “hit single” feel to it despite its double-digit running time.
Next comes “Hyperspace Drift”, the first of two leisurely evolving epics, each clocking in at over 20 minutes. Gorgeous synth pads and slowly pulsating sequences emerge about a quarter of the way in. Restraint is again a strength as the music lays back instead of going for a dramatic climax. This pays big dividends with a rewarding listening experience that transcends Berlin school cliché, though all the familiar elements are certainly there in abundance to enjoy.
The title track is solid as well, providing a feast for the ears of all things electronic, pure unadulterated synthlust laid bare for all to hear. A perky bubbly bass line is good, hanging just this side of becoming too busy.
The final track is no slacker either. “First Contact” spends a few minutes floating in the mist before a majestic tribal beat rises out of it. The rhythms build in immensely enjoyable fashion to bring this stellar space set to a solid landing back on terra firma.

Artist: Volt
P: 2003
The 3 tracks contained here were performed live by VoLt in concert and in the studio, the only preparation being the programming of sounds and sequences.
“The Far Canal” is an exceptional album. It contains an own approach by the duo to the concept of Retro/Berlin School. Part I opens atmospheric and after a while a sequence appears. This is the start of a long improvisation where they make use of great sounds. The second part again begins with quiet sounds. Than, a stretched piece enters with many atmospheres and an intriguing rhythm. Part III with over 24 minutes is the longest and also the best track. It is a live recording. First, it contains spacey effects after which rather symphonic sounds and solos come. Than the sequences, full and impressive, fall in and the solos become heavier making it an absolutely great piece. A sort of classical Tangerine Dream but played on modern instruments.
With “The Far Canal” Volt has created a great piece of work. It is retro, it is Berlin School, but something else than we’ve heard in this genre so far.

Artist: Volt
P: 2005 / 2010
Through the Rings is deep ambient space music disguised as Berlin school electronica. VoLt – Michael Shipway and Steve Smith – improvised these four pieces during live studio recording sessions and they assure listeners that “no synthesizers were harmed during the making of this album.” The set begins with a definite Berlin school piece. It is light and airy with gentle sequences. As ”Journey to the Rim” fades, ”Dark Entrance” unfolds with some ultra-cool experimental sounds, deep drones and vast atmospheres. There are sequences but they are stretched out and compliment the ambient elements. ”Through the Rings” and ”Soaring Beneath the Surface” continue the deep space adventure with expansive atmospheres that border on minimalism. This disc is, indeed, an essential ambient treasure.