Danny Kreutzfelt Counterperipheral Play: Lo-Fi   Mid-Fi   Hi-Fi   Download: Lo-Fi   Mid-Fi   Hi-Fi (Excerpt from track 'Modes')

Danny Kreutzfeldt hails from Denmark and talks of the vastness of space as his primary influence. Clearly we are in the realms of cool, ambient electronica here.

Heavily reverberated metallic clicks signal the start to 'Timelines'. The sounds are given space to breathe before other sound elements are slowly added to the mix: a quiet and sombre bass drone, occasional drum 'hits' and eventually a warm analogue pad. Water droplet notes ebb and flow in the background. The attention to detail is very impressive. By the 7minute mark a very relaxed rhythm adds more structure but does not interfere with the dream-like state the piece has created. As we reach the closing minutes of the track we are left with the opening metallic clicks. 11.06 minutes of ambient relaxation.

'Modes' begins with distant solar flares and warm analogue pads. We are drifting near to a deserted deep space outpost. A steady, electronic rhythm enters the mix. The sounds of distorted radio signals add a dark undercurrent. At times the rhythm and distorted effects dominate the mix, only to be overcome by industrial, digital soundscapes. This contrast of moods creates an engrossing track. I'm reminded a little of the techno/ambient musician 'Pole'.

A slow menacing kick drum pattern and dark drone creates the perfect opening for a track entitled 'Abyss'. The sound of distant thunder adds to the atmosphere as the track takes on a distinctly unsettling tone, think 'Alien' soundtrack. A mournful, deep leadline adds melodic detail; the track is left to weave its dark atmosphere.

Repetitive organ notes open 'Cloud'- quite Steve Reich-like. An echoing, swirling solar wind wraps around the track. Sporadic metallic 'ticks' punctuate the sounds. The pattern of organ notes becomes quite hypnotic, drawing you into the track slowly. By the 6 minute mark a more obvious 'drum' beat is added to the mix, although conventional percussion sounds are not used. The sound effects leave us and we are left with the organ. A very hypnotic, but very minimal track indeed.

A sparse rhythm and 'crunchy' sound effects get 'Chasm' underway. Disembodied notes echo around this soundscape. A hint of a melody sounds from the distance. Again I'm impressed by the expert control of detail; it's tempting to say that little is happening, but there are actually a lot of different elements in the mix. With everything in place the track is allowed to run it's course.

We close with 'Channel'. Vinyl crackles, a slow percussive pattern and subdued organ drones get us underway. More rhythmic elements are added to the mix, but the pace remains slow and pensive. This is perhaps the most traditionally 'ambient' piece on the CD.