Star Sounds Orchestra Kosmophonon CDR / 6 Tracks / 57.05 mins Play Sample:   56K Dialup   Broadband Download Sample:   500K   1.5Mb (Excerpt from track(s) 'New Lyra')

Star Sounds Orchestra comprise Steve Schroyder (remember him from Tangerine Dream in the early 70s?) and Jens Zygar. Intense exciting metallic drones give way to effects and samples of a rocket taking off for the appropriately titled 'Launch'. A rapid sequence starts up that will get the pulse racing over a quite dynamic swirling backing. High register lead lines combine anticipation with slight anxiety. 'Lago Di Luna [Moon]' introduces a bass sequence and excellent rhythmic loop, keeping the excitement level high as we storm towards our next stellar object, a sighing softness imparting a feeling of wonder. 'Ritual [Earth]' begins with insect type effects and the sound of what could be a spacecraft landing. Ethnic type rhythms then mix with an organ sound giving quite a primeval feeling that reaches deep inside as we are carried along on the insistent groove. Things get even better as a really superb flute lead line soars over the top. 'New Lyra [Mercury]' brings things down to dark depths, a bass gong creating deep reverberations through the ether. A sequence can be heard forming low in the mix. Piano lead line changes the mood completely scattering percussive notes like a beautiful soft rain. Gentle pads create a feeling of peace and wonder. What a really lovely track. 'Ironman [Mars]' is much moodier at first then gets into a really intense rhythmic section reaching almost rave proportions! There are the occasional softer interlude but basically this is high-energy stuff. Completely crazed- not for the faint hearted! 'Plutonia [Pluto]' has a really mean forceful rhythmic backing with ominous cosmic whooshes and effects flying over the top. There is a real mean edginess here that paints the vividest picture music of a Hellish realm full of evil natives and victims for sacrifice. 'Hippios [Neptune]' uses massed string pads to create a feeling of grandeur. A fragile but beautiful little melody shines out before all descends to extremely deep rumbles with the most delicate of sonic washes over the top. The melody keeps returning forming a marked, though very effective, contrast with the backing. For the most part this is a really lovely album balancing beautiful subtle melodies with intelligent rhythms- but then there is 'Ironman [Mars]' which is something else entirely! (DL)

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