Pete Namlook Namlook XV (Free Your Mind)

Mr Namlook is back with another hugely entertaining album, but before we delve into the music a glance down the equipment list makes an entertaining read - ARP 2600, Waldorf Wave, Sequential Prophet 2002, Oberheim FourVoice and even a Moog Modular courtesy of Klaus Schulze - should make for a “meaty” album! This is borne out by the opener ‘The Real World’ which encapsulates massive synth stabs into a rockin’ beat, sprinkled with ample amounts of space themed sampling. The five minute mark heralds some juicy synth riffs - I’ve said it many times before, but it won’t stop me saying it again - Namlook’s synth lines really are top notch, sounding how synths should sound and deceptively infectious. ‘The Colony’ shapes a robust sequence line, with supporting percussives, around elongated synth pads. A laid back beat is introduced so naturally it could have been there from the start. Stripped down, laid bare, then reconstituted - it’s all fine stuff which grows in stature with familiarity. ‘Free Your Mind’ is a full on frontal attack using frenetic percussion as the main weapon of destruction. Female vocal samples, reminiscent of a late 60’s movie, add to the strange brew. A bit much to swallow really, however ‘The Forthcoming’ is only a button prod away and what a corker! Magnificent sequencing and those scintillating synth riffs which I want to take home and keep all to myself, and again the rhythm just takes your breath away. Track 5 ‘Samba Giselle’, as its name suggests, utilises a samba beat and focuses on a simplistic plucked motif which doesn’t really develop even after repeated listenings, but again the next track more than makes up for this. ‘The Dreamreader’, which at 12.53 is the longest piece, opens as a spaced out drifter but soon opens up the percussive salvos. More massive synth pads round it all off. This is a great album, with just enough tried and trusted formulations to balance the “off the wall” excursions. (GG)

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