Paul Ellis The Infinity Room Play Sample:   56K Dialup   Broadband   Download Sample:   500K   1.5Mb (Excerpt from track(s) 'In the Realms of the Unreal')

Having been a music reviewer for many years, every once in a while an artist or band comes along that completely inspires me to such a level with their musical creativity and I am happy to say that Paul Ellis ranks among the few that have.

As I have mentioned in previous reviews, Paul Ellis is perhaps widely known for his collaborations with sonic seasoner Steve Roach, but to compare his music with Steve would be a mistake – not in a negative sense as Steve's work has a unique quality and meaning all of its own. Paul manages to create a sound that constantly evolves and develops through time and space, combining some of the most effective sequencing work to be found from any musician on this planet. He is well aware of the self-identity within his music and he offers something for everyone who has even the minutest interest in the EM genre. He has produced several albums that are as equally effective in their own right and I would highly recommend any of them without hesitation.

For starters his new album, 'The Infinity Room' inspired by time, strangely enough comprises of 6 tracks, each with a duration of exactly 10 minutes. The opus to the set is 'Tick Tock' and is a good indication of not only the style of music on offer here but also what is to be expected throughout his other releases too. In other words if you like this you will certainly like anything else this guy has produced. The piece starts in resonant bass loop territory over a decent mixture of cosmic effects. An occasional theme enters over washes of light chord structures until eventually a string theme is introduced. Remaining somewhat mysterious a cosmic Melotron theme enters and the piece moves through various layers of transposition until settling on its main theme. Things subside slightly at just over the 6 minute mark, where several clock styled effects are brought to the fore and it all ends on a dark drone over a cosmic theme and effects.

'The Realms of the Unreal' begins with high pitched synth chords but is soon joined with a low and panned drone with cosmic effects. The bass drone gradually becomes more powerful thus intensifying the sound over oceans of further and more prominent effects which move effectively in and out of the mix. A theme is introduced at around two and a half minutes and a very Jarre-esq sequencer pattern emerges, creating a sound barrage not too dissimilar to that found on the title track of the aforementioned artist's 'Magnetic Fields' album. The track becomes more diverse as it progresses and a bass type theme emerges before dissolving in cosmic overtones. Track 3, 'Forever Endeavour' is an absolute Melotron fest and starts off with a cosmic low drone under a slightly melancholic theme. A bass sequencer pattern emerges at just under the four minute mark and is closely followed by effective additional patterns. After four minutes an analogue styled theme is introduced and it is during this point that the track is reminiscent of 'Encore' period Tangerine Dream with additional Melotron chords adding further evidence to the distinct TD influence. The piece enters abstract territory with some unusual voice textures before finally resting on a decent Melotron flute theme.

A lighter cosmic theme graces the first part of 'Flesh and Blood' over a decent array of effects. At around two minutes the piece changes direction completely and the sounds of breathing and a heartbeat are evident. At just after three minutes the piece changes direction again and a sequencer pattern enters. A theme appears but is closely followed by further effective sequencing work and chords changes. Then out of the ashes a string theme rises with orchestral orientated sequencer effects. At six minutes a steady and almost live acoustic percussion section takes hold before a Melotron flute sound takes centre stage towards the end of the piece. The track finally lays to rest on the obscure breathing and heartbeat effects encountered earlier on. 'The Unveiling Moment' is the only non-sequencer track on offer on this album and gives the listener the chance to reflect on the sonic barrage encountered thus far. This piece is full of atmosphere and includes shimmering drones combined with occasional bird and water effects. Slightly organic in approach this piece is a perfect cauldron of light effects and warm chord structures.