Ron Berry Temples Play Sample:   56K Dialup   Broadband   Download Sample:   500K   1.5Mb (Excerpt from track(s) 'Temple of Restless Souls')

A new name on the EM scene for me, although strangely enough Ron Berry has been recording works since 1980 but somehow he has managed to elude my cd racks. This album is the final release in the set of 9 reissued cdr's spanning his music career to date and was recorded on an assortment of analogue and digital technology in 2005. As the title suggests this music has a distinct eastern feel to it, with occasional ethnic instrumentation (samples) throughout the greater part of its 11 tracks. It is a well-produced and equally melodic album full of meditational values that should find favour with those who have a particular preference to this side of EM.

'Forgotten Temples' begins the set with a low, subdued and delayed gamelan bell sample. A cosmic drone arrives together with occasional mysterious analogue chords. Then a sequencer pattern enters under percussive effects and a lead line adds to the serenity and pleasantness. 'Gateway to the East' fires up with a bass sequencer pattern, almost metronome like. Light percussion and mysterious chords add effectiveness and stability. Occasional bass piano sounds take hold and eventually a shakuhachi theme maintains its eastern flavour.

Track three again features the sound of a gamelan bell but this time in a slightly darker and menacing atmosphere. An 'airy' chord theme then takes off and at around 5 minutes a more defined work shines through, with extra bass patterns and haunting theme. Occasional use of vocoder is apparent on this piece. 'Pilgrim's Track' begins with percussive synth stabs. A detuned bass breaks through the mix, followed closely by a mysterious solo lead line. Additional bell type effects and pads draw the track to its conclusion. Track 5 enters the dark, cosmic mode with, again more gamelan bell. Bass and light chord textures appear and a definitive theme is introduced, over further washes of percussion. A more distinct lead line take the piece to its end. A mixture of obscure loops grace track 6, 'River Passage' before finally finding solace in a suitable mixture of chords and a flute styled lead over percussion loops.

'White Water' starts with a bell drone. Percussion arrives offer an effective bass sequencer pattern and is followed by a staccato theme over flowing chords of serenity. The opening bars of Track 8 comprise of a rather mysterious soundscape. Further effects and obscure chords over what sounds like occasional whispers until eventually finding familiar ground with percussion patterns and further drone work. 'Deep into the Mountain' starts with a mid tempo bass loop and a gamelan bell (yet again) theme. Percussion and choral textures enter as a baseline for a mandolin styled lead. The piece ends in a moment of darkness. 'Before the Altar of Light' is a percussion/ soundscape affair. Further effects and a percussion loop take hold, closely followed by occasional bass and synth pads. A slightly resonant pad dominates the final section of the piece. Finally we have 'Gate to Eternity' and for one last time it starts off in delayed gamelan bell territory. A high synth drone carries things forward, heading slightly into Steve Roach territory – providing a sense of mystery and calmness in equal doses. Occasional percussion appears throughout this track but it manages to retain a relaxed feel to its conclusion.