Gert Emmens
A Boy's World
CD / 6 tracks / 79.01 mins
Play Sample:   56K Dialup   Broadband
Download Sample:   500K   1.5Mb
(Excerpt from track(s) 'Gaming Part 2 (The Quest)')
'School's Out' is all rather shimmering and dreamy, even when a playful sequence bubbles to the surface. Things become more syncopated but there is still an airy carefree feel to it all emphasised by wistful little melodies. 'Gaming Part 1' has a radically different feel, much more like something from an Emmens / Heij album. An aggressive rhythm packs quite a punch then a rapid very 70s sounding sequence thunders above it all morphing wonderfully, creating a high level of excitement. Lovely thick, menacing, analogue sounding melodic motifs are tempered by softer synth washes. The sequence takes on a more positive feel without losing any of its blistering power. As the track progresses a softer feel is developed but with that wonderful sequence remaining as its backbone until about the thirteen-minute mark where we descend to a faintly aquatic sounding tranquil montage of sounds. Another excellent sequence emerges as excitement builds once more, with just a hint of menace shimmering from the backing pads. Rhythms strike up and are soon joined by a jaunty lead which takes us to the end.

'Life around the Sand Castle' is a lovely relaxed piece where two sequences bubble along nicely whilst soft, soothing, faintly melodic pads float through the ether. After the half way mark a strident, almost funky, lead line creates a rather sunny Sunday afternoon feel which contrasts markedly with the melancholy tron based finish. . A rapid sequence emerges out of gorgeous soft pads as 'Gaming Part 2' gets underway. Things become more syncopated, contrasted by dreamy melodies creating a rather laidback feel. As with 'Part One' we get an interlude of floating pads from which a fresh sequence emerges followed by a second. Even though the interweaving pulsations are quite complex, playful even, the pace remains sedate right until the end. 'Adolescant Behaviour' starts quite darkly with low rumbling bass pads. Flutey synth mixes with a brooding sequence. Things become gradually more rhythmic with washes of mellotron being heard in the background. Faintly melodic washes of synth add a feeling of wonder as the drums become more forceful. This energetic feeling juxtapositions questing melodies full of intrigue and wonder which become more strident and confident as we get closer to the end.

'Nothing Lasts Forever' uses a really lovely sequence as its backbone. It has a much more positive feeling than the title might suggest, rhythms and surging melodies mixing together to give a bright, breezy atmosphere. There might be a touch of melancholy there but to me it seemed that we were looking forward rather than regretting the past. Even though this album does have its powerful moments it is overall one of Gert's more relaxed, even whimsical outings. (DL)

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