Hemisphere Beyond the Darkness

After reading Stuart's review of In The Nursery, I'm afraid that the lights might have gone out by the time I've reviewed Hemisphere's latest offering. Ralf Knappe Heinbockel and Thorsten Reinherdt have shown their flair for the dark and brooding on previous outings, however the title gives a hint that a different approach has been adopted. Yes, the power and underlying menace which gives Hemisphere's work so much presence can be found, but it is used to supplement rather less esoteric, more accessible themes and passages. 'Song for Gaia' for example features slabs of subterranean effects but is carried along by a superb ambient sequence and polished by synth layers. 'Samadhi' floats on a sheen of electronics, while 'Taste of Com-passion' is surprisingly contemporary with percussion, sequences and bright motifs. 'Inner Light' brings thoughts of Jarre's 'Waiting for Cousteau' and overall this mixture of soft and hard centres is tasty indeed. (GG)

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