Eric G Conclusion CDR / 7 tracks / 69.20 mins Play Sample:   56K Dialup   Broadband Download Sample:   500K   1.5Mb (Excerpt from track(s) 'A Very Shory Visit in a Froesen Desert')

We seem to be going through an incredibly productive time at the moment (2007) as scarcely a month goes by without some previously undiscovered talent suddenly materialising. This month is the turn of Eric G with his stupendous 'Conclusion'. As most of this album has it's roots firmly planted in the classic mid seventies to early eighties tradition it seems appropriate that we begin with 'New Berlin'. A high hat line cuts through silken pads. A lovely rapid deep bass sequence then rhythm propel us forward. Flutey synth softens things a little but the excitement continues to build as another sequence joins the first. This one morphs melodically as the bass pulsations gain even more oomph. Melancholy lead lines create the most wonderfully moody feel, one playing off the other. The sequences ebb and flow giving the whole piece a rather organic quality as we smoothly and quite naturally flow from one section to the next, each weaving its own unique captivating spell. Sequences come and go, each seeming better than the last. There are touches of tron here and there but never overdone and attention is always paid to melody. Nearer the end things swell to immense levels of excitement- euphoria even. It all amounts to a seriously impressive opener.

'Aritmas 7' is initially all moody and brooding with some distorted unintelligible spoken words over hissing and bubbling electronics. A tinkling melodic sequence swirls into being hurling colour like a Catherine wheel. A vocoded section now comes in and Neuronium's 'Chromium' Echoes' comes to mind. I have used that comparison from time to time before (as it's an album which formed a rather significant part in my EM education) but never has it been so appropriate. A wonderful solo flashes through the ether as the sequences storm forward spitting energy. What a belter! 'In the moog' (ho, ho), after its initial windy introduction, bounds forward on the most stunning sequence / melody combination. If this had been around at the time of 'Oxygene', 'Equinoxe' or even 'Popcorn' or 'Magic Fly' it would have made just as much impact. Even its short four-minute duration would have been ideal to compete with those other hits. Commercial for sure but so bloody good without compromising any of its solid Electronic Music credentials.

'A very short visit in a Froesen desert' doesn't exactly hide its influences and yes, close your eyes and you can well imagine it's Edgar. The sonic palette is spot on and that sequence- wow! 'Spring' is the shortest piece here at only two minutes and is something of an interlude, though an incredibly beautiful one for piano and flute. 'Raindrops' might have a rather stormy beginning but the gentle sequence is very evocative of the title. A lovely lead line skips through the pulsation in a similar style to that found on Peter Baumann's superb second album. As we progress and more sequences are added there is even a hint of Robert Schroeder. What a wonderful track this is. 'The icecream van repair man' opens in rather unsettling mood. A bell chimes and a solitary undulating organ drone hangs in the air. Some heavily distorted echoing text can just be made out. A slow mournful lead line enhances the rather melancholy atmosphere. Some rhythmic content is added in the form of a slow drumbeat then positive sequence. These go to lighten the mood a little but still with a twist of sadness. Things become even more syncopated as a kick ass bass line takes centre stage. The mood brightens further and an anthemic lead line soars into the stratosphere completing our journey from despair to euphoria. What an amazing album. (DL)

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