This is a review from Sonic Curiosity by Matt Howarth at http://www.soniccuriosity.com/sc219.htm.
VARIOUS ARTISTS: Ricochet Gathering, Mojave 2003 (double CD on Ricochet Dream)
This release from 2004 offers 159 minutes of superb retro electronics, recorded live April 25-29, 2003, in the Mojave Desert in California.
Contributing musicians this time are: Wolfram Spyra, Free System Projekt, Airsculpture, Star Sounds Orchestra, Paul Lawler (aka Arcane), Dave Brewer, Bill Fox, and Volker Koenig.
Drawing inspiration from Tangerine Dream's "White Eagle" release, musicians gathered to pool their modern talents for a glorious collaborative celebration.
Dreamy textures powerfully unfurl with growling undercurrents designed to establish an alluvial foundation for more aerial expressions. Rapidly triggered keys generate engaging riffs that goad the harmonic flow into a melodic presence of almost overwhelming proportion. Energy and forceful resonance ensue, running like a sonic locomotive with firm resolve. Alternate keyboard patterns arise and entwine like mating swans in flight. Crescendos crash with satisfying pinnacles, invigorating the listen for more to come.
While some of the compositions shun traditional percussion, rhythms are generally present in the rapid-fire execution of sharper notes, a style forged by T-Dream during the early Eighties. There are pieces, though, that inject e-perc to serve as driving tempos.
Among these is the track "Linda's Ghost," which bears the distinction of being the release's most shining moment. In fact, this piece could well rank as one of Electronic Music's most memorable compositions. Gradually amassing strength through a pensive opening of echoing drums and crystalline notes, the piece gains vigor and velocity until it explodes with authority that demands attention. Sidereal riffs slither into the mix, overwhelming everything and goading the percussives to even more demonstrative presence. The pace continues to accelerate while coalescing into tighter beats and more compelling melodies. Things get increasingly more frenetic and intense with each passing moment, until the piece literally goes nova with a burst of emphatic baby-screams and enthrallingly snappy beats. The music becomes commanding with vivid allure, propelling the listener to fantastic imaginary heights. The constant barrage of peak after sonic peak will leave you exhausted but usting for more.
So rewarding is this music that continuous playing cannot dim its dauntless verve and appeal.
Check out the artist's website:
http://www.ricochetdream.com
Track List:
1. CD1 Alluvial Elements Pt. 1 (16:57)
2. CD1 Desert Train Pt. 2 (11:53)
3. CD1 Alluvial Elements Pt. 3 (14:31)
4. CD1 Departure From The Mojave Plane (9:58)
5. CD1 Horizon Memories (17:38)
6. CD1 Nipton Meditation (8:23)
7. CD2 Searchlight (10:24)
8. CD2 Mojave Dreams (10:38)
9. CD2 220V Koenig (Ololiuqui Dreams) (8:18)
10. CD2 Electric Yucca (11:23)
11. CD2 110V Kanzler (8:59)
12. CD2 Linda's Ghost (11:56)
13. CD2 Curse-Chill (7:14)
14. CD2 Interstate-15 (10:25)
Suggested CDs:Other Genres:
VARIOUS ARTISTS: Ricochet Gathering, Mojave 2003 (double CD on Ricochet Dream)
This release from 2004 offers 159 minutes of superb retro electronics, recorded live April 25-29, 2003, in the Mojave Desert in California.
Contributing musicians this time are: Wolfram Spyra, Free System Projekt, Airsculpture, Star Sounds Orchestra, Paul Lawler (aka Arcane), Dave Brewer, Bill Fox, and Volker Koenig.
Drawing inspiration from Tangerine Dream's "White Eagle" release, musicians gathered to pool their modern talents for a glorious collaborative celebration.
Dreamy textures powerfully unfurl with growling undercurrents designed to establish an alluvial foundation for more aerial expressions. Rapidly triggered keys generate engaging riffs that goad the harmonic flow into a melodic presence of almost overwhelming proportion. Energy and forceful resonance ensue, running like a sonic locomotive with firm resolve. Alternate keyboard patterns arise and entwine like mating swans in flight. Crescendos crash with satisfying pinnacles, invigorating the listen for more to come.
While some of the compositions shun traditional percussion, rhythms are generally present in the rapid-fire execution of sharper notes, a style forged by T-Dream during the early Eighties. There are pieces, though, that inject e-perc to serve as driving tempos.
Among these is the track "Linda's Ghost," which bears the distinction of being the release's most shining moment. In fact, this piece could well rank as one of Electronic Music's most memorable compositions. Gradually amassing strength through a pensive opening of echoing drums and crystalline notes, the piece gains vigor and velocity until it explodes with authority that demands attention. Sidereal riffs slither into the mix, overwhelming everything and goading the percussives to even more demonstrative presence. The pace continues to accelerate while coalescing into tighter beats and more compelling melodies. Things get increasingly more frenetic and intense with each passing moment, until the piece literally goes nova with a burst of emphatic baby-screams and enthrallingly snappy beats. The music becomes commanding with vivid allure, propelling the listener to fantastic imaginary heights. The constant barrage of peak after sonic peak will leave you exhausted but usting for more.
So rewarding is this music that continuous playing cannot dim its dauntless verve and appeal.
Check out the artist's website:
http://www.ricochetdream.com
Track List:
1. CD1 Alluvial Elements Pt. 1 (16:57)
2. CD1 Desert Train Pt. 2 (11:53)
3. CD1 Alluvial Elements Pt. 3 (14:31)
4. CD1 Departure From The Mojave Plane (9:58)
5. CD1 Horizon Memories (17:38)
6. CD1 Nipton Meditation (8:23)
7. CD2 Searchlight (10:24)
8. CD2 Mojave Dreams (10:38)
9. CD2 220V Koenig (Ololiuqui Dreams) (8:18)
10. CD2 Electric Yucca (11:23)
11. CD2 110V Kanzler (8:59)
12. CD2 Linda's Ghost (11:56)
13. CD2 Curse-Chill (7:14)
14. CD2 Interstate-15 (10:25)
Suggested CDs:Other Genres:
- ELECTRONIC: Ambient
- ELECTRONIC: Soundscapes
- TYPE: INSTRUMENTAL