Mario Schonwalder Eye of the Chamelion (Reissue) Play Sample:   56K Dialup   Broadband   Download Sample:   500K   1.5Mb (Excerpt from track(s) 'Earthtime')

I know Mario Schonwalder from his blistering live work with Detlef Keller (and sometimes Bas Broekhuis of course), but his solo work is new to me. This release seems to be a re-release from 1992 on Manikin records, although the music itself was recorded between 1988 and 1989. Track 5 appears to be a bonus. So, for some of you this will be familiar I think – but to me it is new and I'm fascinated to hear Schonwalder on his own.

Choirs, brash analogue sweeps and a throbbing bass sequence kick 'Behind the Mental Wall' into life. A second, higher register sequence joins the fray. Simple but effective electronic percussion cements these 'classic' foundations. It's not long before a classic Schonwalder lead makes its presence felt, played on a gorgeous seventies sound. A second, flutey lead plays 'question and answer'. The percussion builds in intensity with pounding tom toms. Everything just 'works'; this is classic retro EM. Things start to wind down with a minute or so to go. A beautiful opening. 'Earthtime' opens with acoustic (virtual) guitar, a gentle pad and a repeated bass note. A hypnotic mood is created – and extended by simple percussion and a loping high register sequence. Atmospheric synth effects and a reed-like lead, very evocatively played as you'd expect, create harmonic interest. Schonwalder here displays his deft touch for melody and atmosphere – as well as his superb lead synth technique (who can forget him going quietly insane behind his synth at HJ3? – sorry if you missed the gig!).

Symphonic pads and what sound like hand-bells suggest a monastic or spiritual setting – we are looking at 'The Eye Of The Chameleon'. Synth effects hover around the symphonic core of the mix, after close to 4 minutes a very Schulzian sequence, bell-like and rock solid, enters the mix – it's simply fabulous and sounds like something off Keller and Schonwalder's classic 'Concerts' double CD. A second, mid-register sequence falls into formation. The atmospherics continue to build around this solid foundation, but the track is all about the sequences, and they hold the attention via clever key changes and their core musicality. A distorted lead comes and goes – again it's beautifully played. By the ten minute mark another gorgeous, 'reedy' lead joins the mix. This is a cracker! Retro fans really need this track in their collections.

'The Voyage Set To ( … To The Earth)' was recorded live at the Berlin Planetary in January 1989. Haunting pads and a strange, distorted sequence open proceedings. Then a simply devastating lead is deployed, played on the kind of slow attack, syrupy synth sound that got me hooked on synths back in the late. This is moody and glorious. Things take an abstract turn after 3 minutes, but the lead remains to anchor the track. I'm waiting for it … and it arrives at the 5 minute mark – a syncopated mid-register sequence and hypnotic percussion pattern. Glorious! Various leads and pads come and go. A rapid metallic glissando joins the more traditional sequencing - it has a feel of the 1980's about it – something that Depeche Mode would have utilized perhaps – it really works. The rhythmic elements leave the mix at the 19 minute mark and Schonwalder then sets about weaving a stark but highly descriptive section. We get a haunting lead, massed choirs and 'solar flashes'. Wonderful stuff – from start to finish – wish I'd been there to hear it live.