Victor Cerullo Loneflyer Play: Lo-Fi   Mid-Fi   Hi-Fi   Download: Lo-Fi   Mid-Fi   Hi-Fi (Excerpt from track 'Above the Clouds')

The album opens with 'Loneflyer', a measured guitar/synth combination piece rather reminiscent to the title track of Wavestar's 'Moonwind'. Not quite up to that standard, but still good all the same. 'Poetry and Power' takes over seamlessly and the opening synth riffs start to hint that this album might be something special - when the track gets going with robust rhythmics and a pleasing, if slightly non-descript, melody the jury remains out but there was something about the opening synth pads, the textures and melodies, which scream "class". This album has not shown its hand yet.

Track 3 'Judgement' is a weird/atmospheric 3 minute bridge, and then the threatened brilliance emerges. 'Jonathan's theme' hits home and what a track! Sensational sequencer work, and magnificent melodies. Some may bemoan the pan pipe lead vox, but hey it must be due a come back – and it sounds so "right"! We then enter a magnificent sound collage which is best described as combining the expression of Vangelis with the synthesis expertise of Jarre (the last few seconds of the piece is pure 'Equinox'). This is right in the middle of pure synth territory, for me the sort of sound I got "into" EM for in the first place. Gosh, almost brings a tear to the eye such is the beauty, the restrained power, the vastness of the pictures it creates. Better stop, Dave will hit me with his "twee" mallet. Seriously, this is magnificent. For this track alone this CD will not leave my collection.

The track merges into 'Collision' which again serves up a top notch melody which swings around with the sequencers as they change key – classic stuff for those who like that sort of thing – ie ME! The track lasts just over 7 minutes and the 5 minute mark heralds a dramatic change to atmospherics – one of the most notable aspects is the "Choronzian" way it makes this transition – very clever. Finally we get 'Healing' which is another fine piece, punchy sequencing and melodics which are picked out on a cello style vox.

Sorry, I'll have to take an interval here. My lad (coincidentally named Jonathan) has just walked in asking me to fix his "rocket". Stepping on a strategically placed lead, which magically wrapped itself around his leg, he has just "totalled" my headphones and portable CD player, which is now on the floor, a shattered shadow of its former self. Forget "anti shock memory", I need military grade armour plating. I'll just switch to a backup and dock him 2 years pocket money when he's old enough…

"various expletives"

OK, I'm back, and I'd better explain why "Finally" is not quite correct - because there are 2 more tracks included, these are "bonus" tracks taken from the previous 'Ludus' album, judging by track times they are extended versions. 'Stars Symphony' and 'Gracia de Amor' remind me what a fine album 'Ludus' was – and what a crime it is to have not played it recently.