Ramp
Frozen Radios
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(Excerpt from track 'Damage')
The 7 tracks form 3 pieces in the ratio 4/2/1. The opening 4 part title track is a classic slab of moody / atmospheric / sequentially rhythmic EM from the top drawer. If anyone is carrying on with the seeds sown by the all-too-brief NODE explosion, it's these guys. They tread a tight rope between traditional EM and the edgier, leftfield, more industrial path which appealed to the NODE foursome. What is so good about RAMP's approach however is that they seldom over-cook or over indulge. Yes, they challenge and excite, but it's always with a foot in the "real world" camp, a traditional reference point can always be found if you look hard enough - to me this makes a lot of sense.

Listen to the opening atmospherics on this album to see what I mean. Powerful and brooding, challenging and dark, you won't find much better, but it has a comforting bloodline which doesn't alienate EM fans. The sequencer run then unfolds, caressed by a swirling lead synth line. No formalities here, just crank it up and get on with the job. The mixing is handled with real expertise as the focus changes between high and low, structured and random. I must also warn people that this album should, for the sake of your speakers, be handled with utmost care. Respect the bass level! It really does pound around the room like a cornered cruise missile. You will need a deep, deep bunker to be shielded from these dynamics. Neuronium style synthesis to further enhance the latter stages of the sequential torrent, and it all adds up to a cracking piece. The track merges beautifully to part 3 'Drowned', which is a chilled out delight with all the right touches. And the way the sequences return is a master stroke, with a roller coaster rhythm taking you on yet another surging journey amusingly titled 'Din's in the Dale, Steve' (I thought the album title was vaguely RMIniscent:-).

The next two parter 'Two Miles From 'Blaricum'' opens with 'Damage' and here the Node references are the strongest with a detuned sequential barrage forming the densest of backdrops. And it never stays still for one moment, detail and alterations constantly grab the attention. Then cue cavernous bass pulsations which will leave all but the most bullet proof of sub-woofers smouldering on the floor. Stripped down, tweeked, then re- constituted afresh, this is a classic slab of sequential magic. Part 2 'Dissolution' is atmospheric heaven, not least because it briefly includes mellotron style timbres reminiscent of Mike Pinder (Moody Blues) at his best. The delicacy of this section is in complete contrast to 'Damage', it's like dust settling after a nuclear explosion!

Finally we have 'Dauerschlaf' (subtitled 'Hybernation') and what a massive track this is! Already this album has done more than enough to warrant a place in the most discerning EM collections, yet they throw in a 20 minute peach of a track to end with. Magnificent atmospherics, even more magnificent sequencing which to many will I'm sure be the highlight of the album.

Whether your tastes be traditional or more leftfield, this album has it all. Don't hesitate, this is a cracker. (GG)

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