Astrogator The Darkness Between Play Sample:   56K Dialup   Broadband   Download Sample:   500K   1.5Mb (Excerpt from track(s) 'Part 1')

I have known Jez Creek and Steve Humphries, who are Astrogator, for a little while now and two more likable blokes it would be hard to meet. They have both been producing music by themselves and I am now delighted to say that in working together they have created a very enjoyable album. The music is split into three parts of the CD title. Wonderful cosmic wizzers and whooshes (for want of a much better term) act as an introduction to 'Part One'. A slow rhythm and looped piano get things moving. Another sequence is added as vast pads swell in the background. This is taking a typical Berlin School type approach but with also some character of their own. In the eleventh minute a nice lead line comes to the fore. The sequence remains fairly constant acting as a framework around which the ever changing backing weaves. With ten minutes to go we take a breather as the sequence departs and we are left with lovely soft pads and more cosmic effects. Out of this excellent organic gloop emerges another sequence which develops nicely then a rhythm is brought into formation and we gradually begin to motor.

'Part Two' has an even more impressive cosmic introduction than the opener- the sounds chosen being heavenly. This time however we stay in atmospheric mode from beginning to end. A deep bass rumble starts to test the speakers providing contrast to the underlying ethereal beauty. At the five minute mark there is a subtle change in mood as the soft pads begin to swell. In the ninth minute a very delicate sequence does make an entrance but it is more like a gentle rain causing ripples on a lake. Within the last three minutes though the mood changes again as vast bass throbs can be heard heralding a return of the sequence and a more active area of the cosmos. I do think the track ended a bit abruptly. Not sure if it was intentional but if so it didn't work very well. No worries though as Astrogator save the best till last.

As expected 'Part 3' also begins with spacey effects then a little melodic motif, which is heard both at the beginning and at the end of the track, makes its first appearance - all very 'Close Encountersish'. Quick on its heels a superb sequence hurtles forwards, soon joined by another. Together they kick up quite a storm, fitting perfectly with the explosive backing. By the eighth minute they are morphing wonderfully and if things weren't exciting enough anyway yet another sequence is brought into play. In the tenth minute a fresh melody is deployed, snuggling nicely amongst all the syncopations. Throughout, this album has a very improvised feel so it isn't too surprising that the closest comparison I could think of was AirSculpture - not an exact comparison but we are heading in that direction.