Moondust Clavel Azul

The approach is more modern ambient rather than traditional EM and even on the first listening the quality shines through. First to show were the fantastic sampled vox and the altogether unique approach which the duo adopt. The opener ‘Moondust’ wraps a dance beat and clever sequencing around a fantastic (and infectious) piano led main theme. Whispered voice samples punctuate the piece and the pads are tremendous. ‘Nobody in Japan’ has a touch of Jarre’s ‘Zoolook’ about it. An agitated beat underpins the music and again the piano detail is great. Latterly the track hits on a more cohesive rhythm and it really is a breeze. ‘Ocean View and Dolphin’s Sing’ plays heavily on those extended voice samples and brings to mind John Foxx’s ‘Cathedral Oceans’ - yes, it’s that good! Certainly “off the wall” but a real treat to the senses.

‘The Destiny of Mary Celeste’ angles more towards EM with a completely superb high note sequence backed by heavy rhythmics. Then the melody hits home and what a track this develops into!! It is a magnificent example of power synthesis where the melodic chords grab you and simply won’t let go - I haven’t heard much better than this all year. ‘Save Me’ (the longest piece at 7:24) ups the tempo and could be a dance chart buster and again it’s approached with utmost confidence and mastery. ‘Way of the Stars’ initially sounds like a cover of the Dr Who theme and holds a quirky fascination - and just listen to some of the sequencing!

‘Waterdrops’ offers a much needed chill out break before ‘Slowmotion Jetstreams’ develops another beautiful main them picked out on a sumptuous synth vox and when the wonderful sequential detail is introduced I simply run out of superlatives... ‘Golan Hills’ is weird and wonderful leaving ‘Waiting on the Answer’ to end with extended pads presented as a rich textural wall of sound.