Radio Massacre International Frozen North

Of the trio of bands primarily responsible for the resurgence of interest in 70's EM, RMI are probably the closest to emulating the Rubycon/Ricochet/Encore sound. Not that they are trying any more or less than the others, it's just a statement which leaves you in no doubt of the style of music contained on this CD. Take the 20 minute opener for example, Wrecks. Six minutes of skilful atmospherics give way to the sequencer run which is supplemented by well judged electric guitar at eleven minutes. The palette of sounds are totally authentic for this type of music, and it all works magnificently. Echoing samples of dogs barking bring the track to a weird close. The sequencers waste no time on What's the Point of Going to Crete? Opening in slightly detuned fashion they soon develop into a pulsing wall of sound which is supplemented perfectly by mellotron choirs. There's even a few chord changes with the "lead" following in sympathy. Who says there's no melody....!? Small Frozen North opens in brooding fashion before once again brilliant sequencers take centre stage, while Rosemary's Baby is a more ambient cut with syncopating piano and heavy effects. Extra length affords Drown an extended opening and this is used well with some classic sound collages and unmistakable flute courtesy of the 'tron. After five minutes the sequences appear and deliver some startling tapestries of rhythm with all manner of noises layered on top. The sequence run fades at the half way mark to leave glorious effects and mellotron to "do their thing", before returning resplendent with psychedelic guitar riffs. Frozen North Part 1 gets underway with five minutes of scene setting before slowly undulating chords raise anticipation. Tremendous sequences follow, embellished by synths and effects to perfection. Industrial collages take over during the latter stages bringing the piece to a provocative and uncompromising close. Finally, the colossal Part 4 takes the stage, and colossal is the only way to describe it. The opening 20 minutes are pure ambient genius, and the section which follows is a lesson in how to combine the mellotron with pulsing sequences. This track is a forty minute epic which anyone in tune with this style of music will find irresistible. When listening to RMI's music, comparisons with mid to late 70's Tangerine Dream are unavoidable. Let's be clear though. This album is not merely a recreation of TD at their peak, it's more a testament to RMI's ability to capture the spirit and excitement of that era and inject it into their own work. The result is a masterpiece which no Electronic Music enthusiast should be without. (GG)

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