Pyramid Peak Explorer

The title track from this album starts things off. It was also included on their ‘Atmosphere’ album and with a track of this quality it is hardly surprising that they wanted to spread it around a bit. Synth pads are layered on top of each other to give a very tranquil start. At the half way mark a sequence starts to rumble away and more pads, higher up in the mix this time act like a slow lead line over the top. there is then a sudden clap of thunder which instantly switches the sequence off and we float to the end. ‘Cosmic Winds ’is all shimmers and whooshes for the first couple of minutes then a superb sequence starts up. The lead line which accompanies it is also spot on, razor sharp and with a decent melody to it. ‘Quasar’ is the only other track from this album which was also on ;’Atmosphere’ and it certainly is one of the highlight tracks from this album a real rhythmic / sequencer blast superbly crafted full of tension and excitement. They must have felt well chuffed with themselves after coming up with this one.

’Molecules’ has a lovely deep bass start with cosmic effects shimmering around it. a delicate sequence dances over the top which changes slightly as the first lead line starts to develop, growing into a fine melodic accompaniment to the rest of the track. at just after the half way mark all dies away and a new slower put beefier sequence takes over forming a structure to the sorrowful lead. The first sequence now returns fitting in perfectly beside the second and we carry on in similar style until the end. ‘Starwaves’ as its title suggests starts with waves of sound building then breaking from the speakers. A very delicate melody then emerges. The track becomes more and more grandiose with melodies taking centre stage before descending into the swirling void finally reappearing the other side of god knows where . ‘Drifting Galaxy’ uses vaguely vocal synth pads which is then joined by an early Schulze like organ sound. All disappearing as we enter a very eerie section with plenty of space given to enhance the atmosphere. A wonderful sequence emerges half way in accompanied by flutey synth. An absolutely cracking track. ‘Starbird’ begins with the sound of a helicopter and is then dominated by a slow sequence which ends in an explosion. ‘Orion’ combines two sequences together magically , the second being particularly impressive and Baumannesque. ‘Symphony’ is a short track which brings the album to a close symphonically! (DL)

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