Rey
Hidden Vibrations
'Voices in the Dark' acts as an atmospheric opener using thick floating slabs of sound over which an intense lead burns its path. 'Sharmila' features a no nonsense, pin sharp rhythm that really kicks. The backing synths are used sparingly giving plenty of space for the drums to have full effect. Even when the sequence enters things don't seem cluttered. Everything has its purpose and is given just the right emphasis. This is a very well composed track and is hugely enjoyable. 'Temple of Beyond' follows a similar pattern to the previous track and is some of the most enjoyable "modern ambient" I have heard in some time though I am not sure how accurate that term is as most Electronic Music fans that enjoy rhythmic music would be into this. In fact when the rhythms really crank up at the three and a half minute mark words like stunning come to mind. 'Black Ocean' begins with waves of sound whooshing from the speakers, we then get another infectious rhythm which builds and builds in to a real stonker, just try keeping your head still to this one! 'Behind the Walls' is straight into a menacing rhythm with suitably mean atmospherics and a half heard vocal samples, oh my, this is good!

Now what on earth can I say about the next track 'Silver'? Well for a start the drum machine sound is decidedly basic and so far removed from the immaculately produced drum patterns of the first five tracks. It has a sort of mid eighties sound, a little OMD even. I can only assume that the effect is intentional and it certainly is very bouncy and combined with some superb melodies I actually found myself enjoying and dancing around to it despite myself. The thing is though that it sounded so out of place compared to everything else that had gone before it. 'Violet Winds' begins with suitably windy effects through which a fast sequence emerges. A wooden block rhythm is added providing a structure round which the melodies weave. The rhythms are added and it develops into the sort of track that would get you driving way too fast.

'Exploring Mountains' sounds like Edgar Froese's 'Macula Transfer' or 'Ages' but with a cyclical double bass loop effect used to provide rhythm. 'Confused Direction' begins with a weird sequence over a collage of sounds. It is rather appropriately named however as, even though it is very interesting, a bit like being on a train while in a fevered state, it just seems to exist without really going anywhere. 'Sharmila X' brings the album to a close in blistering fashion with a driving rhythm and infectious melodic motifs. Nice one. (DL)

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