Synopsis Tales from the Holodeck Play: Lo-Fi   Mid-Fi   Hi-Fi   Download: Lo-Fi   Mid-Fi   Hi-Fi (Excerpt from track 'Moment of Totality')

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Searing metallic synth stabs flash out from the speakers almost like a warning before a no nonsense sequence enters the scene and gets 'Cobalt Blue' to an excellent start. A lead line becomes more intense as the track progresses giving even extra umph. The combination of sounds chosen works very well and a feeling of tense excitement is maintained throughout. A fast galloping sequence gets 'Tranzeuropa' underway. Another is added to it then the drums come in - what a corker!

We then get yet another sequence, or I suppose it could be looped lead line which takes this already highly bubbling track to a state of almost boiling over. The pace initially slows for 'Moment of Totality' but it isn't long before the inevitable sequence appears low in the mix, its the melodies however which provided the main memories for me. 'Skydive' starts with an echoing pulse over and under which a sequence surges then subsides becoming somewhat hypnotic. A slow melody gradually increases in prominence until a looped lead line becomes the main feature and takes us to the end.

'Meltdown' appropriately begins with a futuristic alarm sound. A high energy sequence joins the fray and a two note synth motif adds to the excitement still further, things becoming more and more intense right up until the end. 'The Power and the Glory' is another change in pace. No rhythms or sequences here just a beautiful melody and gorgeous synth pads. Its a little gem providing a lovely contrast in a sea of pulsating madness. 'Tempus Fugit' returns back to familiar territory in that we are straight into the sequence- a nice slow atmospheric one to which a rapid rotor blade one is layered over the top. The lead line is placed perfectly in the mix and is another very good one. Actually its in the melodies department where Synopsis has made the greatest strides with this album. Even though the track is full of energy it also has a very atmospheric quality to it, a sort of lurking menace.

If anything the next track 'Beyond Synfinity' highlights the melodic quality still further whether its in the sequence itself or in lead line form. Its another stormer, multiple sequencer lines and rhythm fitting together in perfect harmony. We finish with the title track which starts in slow rather cosmic mode. The sequences are also at a sedate pace changing often. Different melodies combine beautifully to provide a rather moody atmosphere that really hits the spot. In the third minute subtle changes are made which transform the track and melodically it becomes even stronger. Its probably the best Synopsis track ever. This is a highly enjoyable album with a certain amount of 'attitude' which withstands repeated listening. (DL)

Nederlandstalige versie

Metaalachtige klanken spetteren uit de luidsprekers alvorens een no-nonsense sequence eraan komt, dit geeft een uitstekende start aan "Cobalt Blue". Een solo wordt intenser naarmate de track vordert en dit geeft wat extra power. Deze klankcombinatie werkt uitstekend en een gevoel van hevige opwinding wordt aangehouden. Een snel galopperende sequence start 'Tranzeuropa". Er komt er nog één bij en dan die drums – enorm! Dan nog een sequence of eigenlijk meer een geloopte solo, deze track kookt bijna over. De rust keert terug met "Moment of Totality" maar het duurt niet lang alvorens de noodzakelijke sequence laag in de mix verschijnt, de melodie blijft echter het langste hangen bij mij. "Skydive" begint met pulserende echo's, door en over een sequence, dit geeft een beetje een hypnotisch gevoel. Een trage melodie komt meer en meer naar voren totdat een geloopte solo het hoofdaandeel overneemt en dit zo tot het einde. "Meltdown" begint met een futuristisch alarm. Een hoge sequence en een twee-noten synth motiefje drijven de spanning op – de track wordt intenser en intenser.