Akikaze Aquarius Play: Lo-Fi   Mid-Fi   Hi-Fi   Download: Lo-Fi   Mid-Fi   Hi-Fi (Excerpt from track 'In Search of Deeper Truths')

'Fin de Siecle I – Storm cloud' is a piece featuring very rapidly played church organ. And rather majestic it is too (though I must admit I am rather a fan of the instrument). 'Crisis' begins with some very deep bass rumbles accompanied by vast sonic shimmers flying over the top. It is as if an explosion can be heard from far away and now alien craft are flying above. The pictures painted are extremely vivid.

A little sequencer run then comes in banishing what has gone before. It keeps repeating. Underneath are some really nice melodic pads acting as a soft foil to the pulsations. It's very nicely done. Next we get vast drums giving it something of an anthemic feel- the sort of thing that would go very well to the closing credits of an epic film. 'World at War' rather appropriately starts with sirens and the sound of gunfire and exploding bombs. Next we get massed, almost symphonic pads which then give way to more delicate strings. This leads on to 'The Rapid'. A lovely energetic sequence starts up backed by a steady rhythm and an additional wonderful melodic sequence and lead line combination The melodies keep coming maintaining interest throughout. This is excellent body moving air keyboard stuff. What a fantastic track- so infectious! 'Consequences' starts up with the sound of a stream over which solo piano plays. 'The Good Old Times' commences with a series of sounds and effects conjuring up images of a swamp but then we get soft string pads accompanied by a beautiful harpsichord and flute combination. Extremely pleasant.

'Between the Wheels' has a spoken beginning over tranquil meandering backing followed by a couple of bouncy sequences and playful lead lines. It's all rather optimistic and jolly. 'Armed Peace' also features an energetic sequence right from the off but backed by very deep and dark melodic pads then vast strings in the middle of the mix. It has such a big exciting sound, building to what I thought would be an explosive climax but then a flute lead is added that even though the backing is just as powerful as before softened the edge a little. 'Stalemate' starts with a melodic loop over which play moody melodic pads with the occasional string stabs heightening the tension. We now get the five part suite 'Sunrise in Futuria'. The first movement 'In Search of Deeper Truths' consists of lovely soft cosmic drones sounding like some of the more atmospheric moments on Neuronium's 'Chromium Echoes'. It really is wonderful stuff; I could have listened to it all day.