After Trevor Newman’s excellent overview of Shamall’s output in last month’s magazine I decided to have a fresh listen to ‘Moments of Illusion’
which I’ve had in my possession since it was first released back in the early 90’s. Trevor’s enthusiastic descriptions of "mammoth lead synth lines,
gorgeous chords and punch sequences" reminded me that this album has never disappointed and has perhaps deserved more time on the CD
player than I’ve allocated it.
Trevor also reserved particular praise for the drumming and you need listen no further than the opener ‘Physical Visions’ to understand why.
Anticipation is built by spacey atmospherics, followed by a sequence-like lead riff which brings you into the track. A marvellous synth stab, like a
bolt of lightening, ups the ante followed by Toccata-like harpsichord refrains. Then the drums gatecrash the soundstage like howitzers. Breathey
synth chords flesh out the sound but this piece is all about high drama and dynamics which fans of Shreeve in Rock-EM mode should find very
much to their taste.
Listening back to albums like this does highlight how synth sounds progress and change even though you may not particularly realise it. The late 80’s
was the playground for flutey synths, plucky guitars, bassy stabs, pan-pipes and digi-attacks. This album is pitched right in there and uses with
great skill the leading edge technology available at the time. It has a comforting familiarity, like a distant friend, which puts you at ease allowing
each track to be absorbed and enjoyed.
‘Spanish Impressions’ demonstrates the clever compositional angle which many of the tracks take. Different sections joust for the high ground
during the opening minutes before an unexpected shuffling rhythm settles the track down allowing different themes room to grow. ‘Winter Colours’
reintroduces those marvellous drums producing a very contemporary outing with piano thematics and prolonged synth pads. ‘Power of Love’ has
many Wakeman-esque touches and features a marvellous punchy rhythm which hints at the Art of Noise.
Crank up the volume and let the dynamics do the talking. It’s that sort of album. (GG)
This page is part of a frame set. If you can't see the information strip to the left of the screen then click on the smd logo above.
