The Omega Syndicate Limited Access (Download CDR) 7 tracks / 73.17 mins Play Sample:   56K Dialup   Broadband Download Sample:   500K   1.5Mb (Excerpt from track(s) 'Astral Projection') Please go to the Store to buy this item.

At the time of writing this The Omega Syndicate have released three limited edition CDs (each of 100 copies). The first two 'Escape Velocity' and 'Sequeces Chords and Leeds' sold out very quickly and are now collectors items. To help satisfy new fans who didn't manage to get these albums the band have decided to release this download only album featuring edits of all the seven tracks found on those two albums.

'Linear' deploys the sequences like a tank thundering through a flowerbed. Mellotron is added, its softness contrasting the sequence beautifully. The sequences are left to pound through your body before lead lines are added, which when they come almost snarl from the speakers. It's as if demons are flying above, revelling in the mayhem below. 'Astral Projection' initially deploys an optimistic melodic sequence. More sequences are gradually placed in formation with the first, lead lines coming and going, becoming especially effective as we near the end. 'Xen' is next. A mournful lead line is soon followed by a rapid, even urgent, sequence. A steady rhythm is started up and the melodies just become more and more wonderful. Soft mellotron and a wonderful deep sequence gets 'River of Light' underway.The lushness of the backing combines perfectly with the bass pulsations which seem to ebb and flow in intensity from near overload to a thunderous peak then back. Lovely flutey synth completes the picture.

'Undercurrent' has a rather quiet beginning with fizzing, twittering electronic effects- how gentle, how lovely- then bash, in steamrolls a rapid metallic sequence with just the right quality of unsubtlety I love about the band. But then what's this- a rather tender lead line? What an excellent combination. The sequence morphs into an even better pattern. We get a lovely change where a new sequence stands in isolation twisting this way and that with deep growling bass effects in the background. The original sequence returns to join it. More leads come and go, featuring both plucked strings and shimmering crystalline sounds. It all become increasingly intense as more layers are added. Some titles do half the reviewers job for them, as with the next number 'Sequencing On A Grand Scale'. A rather tuneful but still rapid swirling sequence starts us off. This is joined by a melodic echoing piano lead line. It is the echo that gives it a rather cosmic feel as each phrase slowly disappears into the ether. Another sequence, even faster than the first falls into formation and the piano departs. Mellotron sounds then come in providing a lovely contrast amongst all the pulsations. The piano returns through which the sequences surge once more but this time with even greater vigour.