Tangerine Dream
The Seven Letters From Tibet
7 tracks completely devoid of rhythm and sequence, designed to take you "to a higher field of manifestation". The opener 'Red Blood Connection' is actually rather good. Yes, the palette of "reedy" and "breathy" choral vox are the standard set, but it is developed succinctly and expertly into a pleasing collage of atmospheres.

'The Orange Breath' is a slow thoughtful piece with a methodical melody overlaid with the expected synth pads, and the odd spot of Asian detail which, of course, fits perfectly. The opening of 'The Golden Heart' brings to mind the type of approach from 'Canyon Dreams' or 'Oasis', not bad albums either of them though both benefit from the visual context. I'm sure this music too would come more to life with visual accompaniment, it's the sort of project which is usually associated with a documentary or the like. The sleeve-notes don't suggest this though. 'The Green Land' follows, another fine piece with piano detail and thick textural voices. The approach leans towards the classical, no melodies can be described as infectious, however it's very approachable music which is difficult to dislike. In parts, track 5 'The Blue Pearl' for example, it does become rather maudlin sounding like funereal music, but it is perhaps to be expected considering how "spiritual" the subject matter.

I've seen many positive reports of this album already. It's heralded by some as "fresh and new". I wouldn't go this far, as mentioned you could interpose tracks from 'Canyon Dreams', penned 13 years ago, and it would remain a cohesive and consistent package. However, it would possibly do this album an an justice to discard it simply as modern TD minus sequence and rhythm, not least because it sounds like some effort has gone into it. Ultimately though, if you consider the competition, this is an unremarkable album. That says it all really. (GG)

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