Harald Grosskopf Oceanheart CD / 6 Tracks / 38.05 mins Play Sample:   56K Dialup   Broadband Download Sample:   500K   1.5Mb (Excerpt from track(s) 'Pondicherry Dream') Please go to the Store to buy this item.

This album (Harald's second- the follow up to the superb 'Synthesist') was originally recorded in 1985 and I believe at that time was only released on vinyl. It seemed to quickly disappear and became quite rare which is a shame as it is a very interesting album. A Staccato sequence and heavy beat get 'Eve on the Hill' off to a cracking start. A further rapid sequence comes in and we are motoring along wonderfully. A high hat line is introduced to complete the picture. Things get into quite a groove then a growling lead line gives that extra oomph. Interest is maintained by loads of little melodic interludes and rhythmic breaks. 'While I'm Walking' slows things down somewhat. The rhythm is at a sort of walking pace and the sounds used are certainly different, more like something from a Cluster album. The backing sounds swell vastly then depart, leaving lovely subtle melodies. The title track calms things right down with lovely moody pads which sets us up nicely for the more rhythmic 'Coming Out'. In some ways this has a similar feel to the second track but if anything is even more melodic. 'Pondicherry Dream'. Uses a rapid sequence and tabla rhythms which come over like something from 'Hyperborea'. It gets into a really infectious groove that made my hands start beating out time on the table. 'Minimal Boogie' is based around a simple two-note sequence and piano flourishes with lots of percussive embellishments. It has a rather improvised feel to it. In the sixth minute there is a marked change, a sort of calming down and gradually things get more and more tranquil before taking off again two minutes from the end. If you were a fan of the Sky label in the eighties then this will take you right back. A real must for fans of inventive melodies and interesting sound combinations. (DL)

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