Ellipse Cities

Rob Demianiuk, the sole musician behind Ellipse, describes this 1995 album as "A soundtrack for the imagination, a travelogue around the world". Nine cities have been chosen as the basis for the music, their contrasting natures allowing scope for plenty of variety on the album. 'Detroit' is relatively upbeat and airs some careful lead lines, and the concise nature of the music continues with the track 'New York'. 'Berlin' features a pleasing theme which works best during the closing piano refrains, while 'Moscow' contains some complex keyboard passages which the pedestrian and repetitive rhythm does not do justice to. 'Beijing' and 'Tokyo' are pleasant and appropriately oriental in style but are nothing spectacular, however 'Istanbul' is a more robust and successful offering. 'Paris' is a delicate and beautifully played piano based piece leaving 'London' to end with flutey synths and Westminster chimes. If judged purely on what it sets out to do I suppose this album could be viewed as largely successful, however as a musical experience it fairs less well. Too much of the album is careful and subdued and there's really nothing to make it stand out from the crowd. Anyone looking for incidental music will find much material here, but fans of excitement and dynamics should look elsewhere. (GG)

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