Ion Future Forever CDR / 8 tracks / 52.43 mins Play Sample:   56K Dialup   Broadband Download Sample:   500K   1.5Mb (Excerpt from track(s) 'Future Forever')

Ion is David Hughes from both T Bass UK and Skin Mechanix. Even though this album does have an individual identity it should still be liked by fans of both those acts. We kick off with the title track. Soft, soothing, faintly melodic pads with just a hint of melancholy, float in the air. A slow rhythm starts up along with a sequence which starts off relatively sedately but soon ups the pace providing a nice melody, morphing beautifully as it goes. Further melody comes in the form of a moody lead line. It reminded me a little of Edgar Froese's solo work. 'Logoscape' is all ethereal, as windy drones mix with angelic wordless pads. Quite beautiful.

'Minerva' on the other hand uses a beautiful piano line conjuring up the best melody on the album so far, complimenting a percussive sequence extremely well. It reminded me a little of 'Optical Race'. The Tangerine Dream comparisons continue through onto a lot of the tracks as well (which is probably intentional given all the TD references in the track titles) including the next number 'Evensong'. A lovely melodic sequence bounces along giving us an energetic start. It just gets better and better as things become more syncopated- a real body mover. The mood changes with 'Farscape', as dark bubbly atmospherics create a rather alien soundscape.

'The Silent Scream' is different yet again as it is based around tabla type rhythms but melodically it's as good as 'Minerva'. 'Tangents' initially takes us back to moody realms but as a rapid sequence enters the heart rate quickens. 'Flying Over Blue Waters' is another which is very Tangerine Dream sounding and again the piano type melody is exquisite. It's a wonderful track, slow, thoughtful and full of beauty. Apparently this album is the first in the 'Dust to Dawn' trilogy so if you like it the journey is just beginning! (DL)

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