Fin
Offset
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(Excerpt from track 'Part 8')
CD Recordable / 10 tracks / 54.16 mins

As with his other album 'GreenBlue' the packaging is rather basic but adequate. There are no track titles contained in the artwork so I am just assuming that they are 'Offset parts 1 to 10'. In many ways this review reads fairly similar to the one for the album mentioned above as the comparisons to the early work of a certain Frenchman are inevitable (especially in the first half of the CD). The first track starts in laid back fashion with a relaxed beat and gentle melody. Two and a half minutes in there is a sudden change and Pow in comes a JMJ bass sequence which could have come from his 'Oxygene' / 'Equinoxe' period. The melody however is distinctly his own and as usual with Fin it is extremely strong but plenty of space is also left for the sequence to do its thing and work itself to the core of your body. Its an absolutely fantastic opener.

Windy sounds get the second track underway. Bubbling pulsations can just be heard underneath and eventually break through. Again JMJ is the obvious comparison especially some of the flashing electronic effects. We go through many a change of pace allowing the moody lead line to be appreciated to its full effect before putting the foot down on the accelerator once again. The following number begins with a sequence then a bright boppy rhythm is added. It is joined by a searing lead line. Its an infectious track and would be a real crowd pleaser if played live. Air drumming is compulsory. 'Part 4' begins in dark sinister mode, then oh come on- this surely was actually on a Jarre album! But then the lead comes in, highly melodic and infectious. Its this element to the music of Fin that really stands it apart. On to the next piece and its a complete change in pace being a rather moody floater, which is more complex than appears on first listen. This sort of intermission is a good idea as pure rhythm and sequence can lose effect if that is all there is. Mind soothed we move on to 'part 6' and back come the pulsating pyrotechnics. I won't even bother to tell you who it sounds like- I think you're getting the picture by now. Its all so fantastic though. There will be those who knock it because of lack of originality but me, I just found it hugely enjoyable and fun! And what's wrong with that?

Next up we get a change in mood. The feel to this one is much more like modern ambient but with a much stronger melodic content than is usual found within that style. Sure there is quite a heavy bass rhythm but it is perfect within this context and certainly got my body moving to it. There is so much power here, the energy literally sizzling from the speakers as they strain to keep control. Its another one that would get any audience to their feet demanding more- bloody fantastic! 'Part 8' begins with twittering electronic effects out of which a swirling sequence slowly emerges. It is added to by another warbling one. The music twists this way and that taking us through one highly enjoyable passage to the next. Its a dreamy start to 'Part 9', as if you are asleep in your car at the side of the road subconsciously hearing other vehicles speeding past. The pace quickens slightly as the rhythm comes in, like being awoken to resume the journey. Fully awake we start to hurtle down the road on the back of a powerful drum pattern. The album finishes in Vangelis mode. Tender, delicate melodies are the main focus of this short but beautiful composition. It all amounts to another hugely enjoyable album. I get the feeling that we will be hearing a lot more from Fin in the future. (DL)

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