Moonbooter
Teralogica
CDR / 11 / 66.52 mins

Analogue pulses and distorted voices get 'First Sunset' underway in quite a menacing way. Thick string pads and a doleful kick drum add to the atmosphere. I'm reminded of Numan intros, but perhaps that's just me. A simple piano refrain and synth melody weave through the thick backing. The track breaks down to pads and melody at the 4.30 min mark, before a triumphant close. A classy opening, very much in the Otarion and Detlef Keller (his solo work) vein.

'Strandmusique' is immediately busy, with syncopated beats and a modern stuttering sequence. A repetitive, marimba-like melody adds a Jarre-like sheen to the piece. It's a stirring track, perfect for lovers of up-tempo, melodic EM. A white noise sequence and vocal drone suggest more abstract territory as we begin 'Let there be music'. Soon a simple melody and second, very 'squelchy' sequence enter and the mood lightens. A disembodied/treated female vocal repeats the title many times during the track – which I found a little irritating I must say. The melodics are very synth-poppy, recalling Vince Clarke in particular.

'Water Melody' opens with the sound of, er, water! Classical piano soon takes over, with subtle pads and effects in the background. Violin adds support and cements the classical feel. Pizzicato strings and guitar are then added. It's a very tame, but beautiful track. Glorious analogue arpeggios and contemporary beats open 'Under the surface', and are soon joined by vast pads. The beats solidify, a distorted vocal sample intones in the background and simple melodies snake through the mix. This is a classy track. Symphonic pads and an electrical pulse open 'Analog bubbles'. A wonderfully syncopated beat box and simple analogue melody again recall the implacable Vince Clarke. By the middle of the track we get quite a 'trancey' section with arpeggiated leads. This took me back to my youth and the joys of synth-pop.

The 'Wind blows' is up next and is a wonderfully animated body mover, with heavy beats and lovely melodic touches. The next three tracks present a little problem. 'Burning for you' features vocals and really belongs on a modern chill-out compilation. The music comprises warm pads and the sound of an old CR-78 beatbox (I believe). ' Beaachjam' is all smoky electric piano, strummed acoustic guitar and laid-back beats. It's the kind of thing you get on a gardening or interiors show. Perhaps they're best programmed out? Abstract effects open 'Wrong Order', before a crunchy, contemporary rhythm and sequence build. A lovely analog melody fits the backing perfectly. The album is back on track now I feel. 'Orgasmik' brings the CD to a climax! From laid back beginnings it gradually builds into a trance anthem! A tough one this. Four of the tracks are going to alienate hard-core SMDers. But the rest would be enjoyed by Otarion or Axxess (and possibly Skin Mechanix) fans. The quality of the music and production is very high, so perhaps it's worth a try for fans of the artists I've mentioned. (WP)

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