 |
 |
 |
This is a very electronic album - by which I mean that you could listen to any few seconds of it, and be certain to hear the unmistakable sound of electronic synthesisers.
Nodular starts with "Intrip", 6 minutes of synths with trilling oscillators, and sequencers kicking in part way through. The second track, "Annular", opens with atonal noises dominating, with heavy reverb applied. Choral style minor chords fade in and out, before strongly phased sweeping lead lines get going, over a sedate somewhat doomy background. It's all very atmospheric and effective.
This fades smoothly into the title track 'Nodular', a more weighty 15 minutes long. And here stronger rapid rhythmic sequences are in the foreground, along with flute like sounds carrying the main melody. There's lots going on, and the minor key used gives a downbeat feel. Personally, I don't feel this piece has enough overall structure to warrant the length - it's pleasant enough, but it warbles on for a bit, then stops, with very little development.
As we move through to 'Angular', again the tracks blend smoothly from one to the other, but the new one is smoother, formless and without sequencers - and all the better for that.
"Before the Storm" starts with a steady midrange drone, behind which a phased note slowly rises and falls, while growing louder. It's powerful stuff, and you can almost see the storm clouds gathering. Gentle string sounds overlay the feeling of approaching menace, with ghostly female voices towards the end. Really very good, and a highlight of the album.
"Phasenverzerrung", (a German word meaning "Phase Distortion", so now you know!), is another lengthy piece, weighing in at 19 minutes. Overall feel is similar to 'Before the Storm', and that's no bad thing at all. Initially low rhythm is provided mainly by pulsed sounds, rather than obvious sequencer patterns, and the track soon picks up pace and energy.
In conclusion I like this CD a lot. Most tracks are very good, the sounds are richly textured, and it has a nice consistently dark feel.
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |