The Berlin school theme has been a recurring one for Frank Klare, and has turned up of late in his titles. Taking this concept a step further, Berlin Parks is a not-so-veiled reference to Tangerine Dream’s classic 1985 CD Le Parc.
Rather than song titles named after world parks, Klare has kept within the confines of Berlin. And that is appropriate, given the music is strongly rooted in that style.
“Grosser Tiergarten” is a lengthy hypnotic sequencer piece. A single intricate musical phrase is repeated throughout, with the exception of key changes from time to time, and mild shifts in the variance of the notes toward the end. Punchy drum machines thump along in parts but not through all of it. The drums are a touch on the thin side, but otherwise this is great vintage stuff in the style of Schulze and TD.
“Victoriapark” starts with heavy beats and sequencing together. The drums sound better here, and there is a nice lead synth line that goes through a variety of classic sounds such as Mellotron strings.
“Treptower Park” is a touch moodier, in a good way. The sequencing here is a little TD like but actually reminds me, just a touch, of The Who’s classic song “Eminence Front”. The track is a bit more low key than the first two, and that works to its favor.
“Schlosspark Charlottenburg” is beautiful, with flowing synth pads and really nice piano by Klare, a strong composition. The diversity from one track to the next is a real plus, and makes Berlin Parks more and more enjoyable as you delve deeper into it.
By “Britzer Garten”, I am totally hooked by the great blend of synths, sequencing, and melodies.
“Mauerpark” closes things out, the longest track. The drums are too heavy-handed and the sequences don't change enough for this to work as the big epic finish that is apparently intended.
