Marcus Hildebrandt, alias Driftin’ Thoughts, released his debut CD ‘Secret Dimensions’ in 1997 and received requests for samples of previous “demo tapes”. Hence this CD-R, which essentially is Hildebrandt’s most important recordings between 1992-1996 and includes a ‘98 remix of ‘Games’. The packaging could, at best, be described as being “basic”, despite the composer’s signature, and the prospect of “early demos” did not overly enthuse me. Yet, I have learned through experience that one should not place too much importance on the cover and concentrate on the music.
‘In motion’ starts off the collection promisingly enough, with a nimble descending keyboard line, lush synth pads, added layers of melodies and brisk rock/dance rhythms and sequences. The main theme is bright, optimistic and uptempo and Hildebrandt’s improvisations are tight and convincing. In the darker recesses of my vinyl collection is a small selection of releases by Schulze Acolyte Baffo Banfi and his ‘Galaxy My Dear’ came to mind, mainly because Hildebrandt’s style reminded me of the upbeat optimism often evident on the Italian’s work. ‘Flying Free’ is slower, more reflective, but still retains a light, airy melodic sensibility. ‘The Intruder’ begins with deceptively ominous low drones, and metallic percussion before the shimmering high register sequences return accompanied this time by dance rhythms and bright techno motifs.
Hildebrandt slows the pace down on ‘Gravitation Waves’, the introduction more brooding, the rhythms and sequences begin suddenly, but are more subtle, the pads a touch more downbeat, yet the melodies still imbue a light, airy mood. Essentially, Hildebrandt’s technique is to fuse traditional Electronic Music with more commercial genres, principally, techno, trance and dance. Variation is provided by shifting the emphasis between the styles and deploying some light and shade, which the composer does with some skill throughout the set.. There are few low points, although I found the footsteps, creaking doors, striking matches, and voice samples, (“No way dude” indeed), on the introduction to the remix of ‘Games’, although probably intended as light relief, irritating on repeated play but it barely lasts two minutes and the track recovers to become one of the highlights of the collection.
#Even when Hildebrandt leans more towards commercial dance/techno horizons such as on ‘Touch of Infinity’ and ‘Vortex Flight’, he retains a melodic EM sensibility which maintained my interest. Despite the fact that this may not appeal to those who prefer their music to be darker, brooding and with greater gravitas, I found it generally entertaining and a change from the current retro-climate. No doubt essential for those who enjoyed ‘secret Dimensions’, ‘NightShifts’ may also appeal to fans of more commercial sensibilities, receptive to other genres, but maybe it’s time for second thoughts on that name Marcus.
