Keller & Schonwalder Noir Play: Lo-Fi   Mid-Fi   Hi-Fi   Download: Lo-Fi   Mid-Fi   Hi-Fi (Excerpt from track 'Dedier a Papathanassiou E. Vangelis - Movement Two')

The majority of the album is taken up with three movements of the title track. Thick windy drones mix with eerie samples. These samples only last a few seconds however before we are submerged in foreboding 'breathy' pads with just a little detail here and there. Some lead elements do start to develop low in the mix. They have something of a percussive quality and combine nicely with cosmic effects. Lovely tron sounds enter in the fifth minute giving a slightly softer edge along with some gentle ethereal pads.

Soft string melodies are also used so that a feeling of tranquil melancholy is maintained through the fluid, changing, sonic tapestry. We float straight into the Second Movement and things take a darker twist. A shimmering sequence can be heard moving in and out of the mix. It adds a little structure but doesn't dominate. The overall feel is even more cosmic than the first part. There is a lovely tinkling piano section in the thirteenth minute which momentarily unlocked my mind from its trance like state only to be dragged back again by the ever present sequence and cosmic whooshes. We finish with more windy and on the edge of a dream type sounds mixed with the tolling of a bell. All very atmospheric stuff. The Third Movement (and indeed all the remaining tracks) also feature Bas Broekhuis. This is my favourite track on the album blending a slow rhythm and lead line, both as moody as hell. It reminded me a little of a rather laid back version of 'Weird Caravan' by Klaus Schulze. A restrained sequence enters just after the half way mark complimenting the feel perfectly and adding that little extra interesting detail.