Dweller at the Threshold
Generation Transmission Illumination
I have been looking forward to DAT’s follow up to ‘No Boundary Condition’ for seemingly ages but boy was it worth the wait! This is a stunning album that should be loved by all the retro freaks but at the same time provides much more that just stonking sequences though it certainly has those in plenty. It is a very well constructed album that sounds as if hours of careful thought and care have gone into every note and pulsation. Even though such care has been lavished on the concept there is nothing clinical about the results. This is a warm album full of energy and that something that can only come deep from within true artists.

The album is split into the three sections of its title and each of these is subdivided further into a number of parts. ‘Generation Part One’ is a dark brooding affair but it soon makes way for the deep plodding sequence of Part two. The sequence quickly transforms and a superb pin sharp melody takes over as the main focus though it has to battle to keep your attention as the sequence becomes even more strident. The melodies on this album are never meandering, they are simple but superbly effective. Part Three adds more dynamics and the lead line becomes even more devastating. Things calm down for Part Four, the sequence dies away and a delicate melody is left to float in space. Part Five brings back the sequences, sounding like some vast machine. Part Six coincides with the introduction of a new lead line creating images not usually found on an album of this type but confirms that DAT are not just content on churning out new versions of what has gone before. Unexpectedly right in the middle of this, just when a real groove has been developed, all is change and we are catapulted back into deep space. Part Seven returns us to the machine and another brilliant sequence thuds its way from your speakers. Awesome Mellotron pads then take things to a completely different level finishing the Generation tracks off with the best piece so far. To these ears this track is perfection. I just keep playing it over and over again.

Dragging myself away I move on to the first part of ‘Transmission’. The machine imagery is still there but this time something sounds as if it is about to fall off! All hell breaks loose with Part Two as a bludgeoning sequence descends on you like an avalanche, not as unique as some that have gone before but its unsubtlety is just right, hitting you between the eyes. Got me cranking the volume up anyway. Things continue in a similar fashion in Part Three but as we enter the final part of this section another more warbling sequence takes over accompanied by all manner of other effects and sonic stabs.

Next we have the first part of ‘Illumination’ and the most delicate melody so far is brought in. It sounds almost like a musical box though with a bit more beef. Parts 2, 3 and 4 are very atmospheric numbers but each one of them creates different images as if the energy from before has accomplished the tasks given and we are now wandering through a world at peace. (DL)

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