Frank Van Bogaert
Geographic
This is Frank’s follow up to his very successful ‘Colours’ album. I commented then that it was ideal for playing to someone who hadn’t heard much EM. The same thing can be said about this album. It is very accessible and there is little about it to possibly dislike and yet it isn’t just pleasant it is also uplifting and at times thought provoking.

On the opening title track warbling atmospherics make way for a lead line which is very Vangelis like and rather superb it is too with a great melody and a very fitting sound. We then get red Indian style chanting which does rather bring to mind a multitude of other CDs using the same sort of sample but it isn’t just chucked in for the sake of it, it fits very well with the driving rhythm and the whole mood of the track. When the chant momentarily disappears a beautiful piano melody takes the lead role. ‘Rain’ starts rather suitably to the sound of, well er, rain. Another very delicate Vangelis like melody then leads to a slow sequence and restrained ethnic drums. ‘Deserts’ is based around a jaunty sequence with melodies that will stick in your head for a long time after the CD is out of the player. Very uplifting and triumphant music. It would make a great theme tune to a sports programme.

‘Highlands, High Hopes’ is dominated by a delicate piano melody over a gentle rhythmic structure, full of emotion this one, images of joyous reunions abound. ‘After the Rain’ begins with thunder storms then melodic synth pads take over creating a calm and relaxing piece. ‘Earth’ is another sequencer / piano romp, its very positive, almost ecstatic! This is bound to work its way on to many melody fans top ten lists when they are compiling tapes for the car. That is if the next track ‘Sauvage’ doesn’t pip it to the post. I just can’t believe that anyone (other than fans of the deepest darkest music) would dislike this. Play air keyboard and bop around the room, it might make you look a bit of an idiot but great fun and this sort of music is just made for it. ‘Savior’, on the other hand has a much more ominous and mysterious feel to it whilst ‘Dreamworld’ acts as a short atmospheric closer.

There is no getting round it, musically this album is VERY like Vangelis but it is the best album in that style I have heard outside those by the great man himself. Even the titles bring Vangelis to Mind. (DL)

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