N:Force Collector

Here we have a collection of new tracks and remixes from Norman Friedenberger plus a couple of numbers composed by Chris Franke. ‘Black Garden View’ is the first of the Franke tracks and Norman’s interpretation makes it a great driving piece with insistent rhythm and sequencing. At nine minutes it is slightly too long though. ‘Living Fast’ is a short piano based track and is again great in the car with a catchy melody and rhythm. In contrast to the last piece I wish this had been longer. ‘An Afternoon on Cyber-Beach’ progresses from its very atmospheric beginnings to another really beautiful, delicately rhythmic number full of interest and movement. ‘Fathomless’ hangs around a dance beat but really doesn’t do enough to hold my attention. ‘Mind Bender’ has a shimmering introduction which is replaced by another dance beat. The melody is played on the piano and is pleasant without being stunning. ‘Two Virtual Adventures’ brings us another dance beat and is a bit of a yawn I’m afraid. ‘Prototype Part 1’ has a superb rhythm and the textures underneath fit perfectly. The pace slows for the middle section but retains the interest well. A nice piece. ‘Stranger in a Strange Land’ is another cracking rhythm / sequencer outing. Things build nicely and there is a lot going on, I just wish there could have been a bit more variety in the sequence. We then move on to the second Chris Franke number ‘Mountain Heights’. Very different from the original, this is another one that would really get your foot hard down on the accelerator pedal. Thudding drums and fast rhythms are the order of the day and they make for the best track on the album. Last up is ‘Atmosphear’ and as the title suggests it is a pleasant floaty affair. A good way to finish the album. (DL)

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