Something Completely Different The Last Gate Play: Lo-Fi   Mid-Fi   Hi-Fi   Download: Lo-Fi   Mid-Fi   Hi-Fi (Excerpt from track 'Close Encounters of the Q Kind')

We enthused about the last SCD release ' Megacatz' because of its melodic guile and varied agenda, and you'll be pleased to hear that this form certainly continues on 'The Last Gate'. If you like uptempo melodic sequencing and synth lines in the Tangerine Dream 'Underwater Sunlight' mode then this is for you.

The opener 'Close Encounters of the Q Kind' very much continues where 'Megacatz' left off with trademark syncopating sequencing punctuated by incisive synth melodies. 9 minutes fly by and then we get straight into 'Take Your Time' which opens with foreboding effects before a lighter shade appears to prepare the ears for the sequencing to come. It's an infectious and commercial chugger which weaves it's way around the main theme to produce a very pleasing episode which is understated yet, in common with much of the album, grows with listening as the melody infuses into the mind. '5 Megacatz' has a slightly quirky hook which is offset by traditional mellotron flute sounds, then 'Gabriël' takes over with more fine sequencing which is embellished by very melodic themes.

'Marathon 1' opens in more restrained fashion but then develops into the most 80's TD sounding section so far - classic 'Poland' style synths, mellotron flute and a corking sequence which mutates constantly. The tempo is slowed slightly for 'Marathon 2' but sequencer fans will again delight at the busy patterns and excellent pads. 'The Q Files' opens in rather grandiose fashion with a slightly classical section, then synth washes consume the soundstage to herald another great sequence, this time Jarre's 'Magnetic Fields' comes to mind before a synth theme which is all SCD's own style comes into play. Falling scale notes punctuate the piece and it all makes another fantastic concoction - possibly the best so far!

'Spirit' initially has an engaging bright feel and sounds very much like TD's soundtrack work such as 'Wavelength', then a foreboding mid section heralds another uptempo jaunt with a sequence style which is fast becoming an SCD trademark. The final 3 tracks carry on the style with the sequencing in 'Exponential Disaster' again a joy to listen to, and the title track serving up more cinematic sounds - a bit like John Carpenter's EM soundtrack work - and for me this 5 minute sequential gem tucked away at the end of the album is one of the strongest sections.