Colin Rayment Morula (Download CDR) 6 tracks / 60.01 mins Play Sample:   56K Dialup   Broadband Download Sample:   500K   1.5Mb (Excerpt from track(s) 'Morula') Please go to the Store to buy this item.

I really enjoyed a previous album by Colin, ‘Twenty4’, so when Colin sent me this (his latest album) a while back I approached it with enthusiasm, and I wasn’t disappointed.

The opening title track starts atmospherically but then engages a deceptively effective sequential rhythm over which choice pads and pleasing motifs are employed. Details are altered and the feel of the track develops as the track proceeds to ensure monotony is never a factor. At times it reminded me of Schulze, at others the sequence detail brought to mind Ron Boots. A fine opener. ‘The Light Spiral’ opens with Tangerine Dream style synth washes and the piano detail is very pleasing. Then a subtle sequence emerges from the mix and slowly gathers stature taking over from the very effective ethereal layers. A subtle, understated, but highly effective track.

I do like the choice of synth voices Colin uses, they blend together well and ‘Glimmer’ is another effective example of this. It’s not trying to set the world on fire, rather the purpose is to portray a chillout mood which never becomes soporific. ‘Glimmer’ touches all the right buttons, bristling with latent power. ‘River Park’ would again not be out of place on a Schulze album, more blissed out refrains give way to high quality mood sequencing. If you are looking for a Berlin School onslaught this is not the place, but for thoughtful contemplation which rises above the purely ambient this hits the right spot. ‘Chorionic’ continues the high quality, slightly more uptempo than recent tracks but the mix is cleverly done. Pads and motifs take the high ground leaving what would normally be an overwhelming rhythmic blast to simmer underneath. I particularly like the way the rhythmic sequence mutates and changes as it winds down to close the track, a particularly effective approach that I never tire of. Again the overall feel would not be out of place on a mid to late 80’s TD track.

‘Amnion’ has a slightly more strident and upbeat mood but the overall tenure is still restrained and well balanced. Sequential detail, sumptuous pads, more carefully crafted motifs. Finally ‘Circular Suspension’ brings proceedings to a close with yet another well balanced and crafted sonic outing. An insistent rhythmic sequence is cajoled with all manner of synth layers.