Synthetic Block
The Opposite of Staring into Space
Various takes on Tangerine Dream and Klaus Schulze are something I usually like, but it's great when an artist makes electronic music that stands on its own, with no easy comparisons. I felt that way about Synthetic Block's self-titled first release, and I feel even more so about ‘The Opposite of Staring into Space’. As a listener, this is great. As a reviewer, it puts me in a bit of a quandary. Without a frame of reference, how shall I describe Jonathan Block's excellent music? Well, for starters, these eight songs strike me as very deliberate, conscious efforts to create a space for the listener to reflect, relax, and really listen to the music being played.

‘Trylon’ is a great floater to get things going, suitable for your next outer space sojourn. ‘Arc’ is still mellow and reflective, but with hints of progressive rock. Even more progressive sounding is ‘A Science of Forget’, a wonderfully intricate soundscape. As on the first Synthetic Block release, drum machines are used judiciously and effectively, only enhancing, never detracting from, the music.’Half Awake’ could be a quieter alter ego to ‘Swell and Slack’, Block's contribution to the excellent 2-CD compilation GoldTri ‘Volume One’. Most of the pieces start with deep drones, and build from there, but each goes in a somewhat different direction. Block has great musical vision and a sense of identity. That is, he has the ability to explore a variety of sonic terrain, without alienating the listener as he goes along for the ride. Perhaps the best thing, guys, if your girlfriends or spouses can't stand prog rock or ambient music, my wife listened to this CD from start to finish, and actually enjoyed it!

Enough said. Highly recommended, virtually a must if you like both ambient/electronic and progressive music. (PD)

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