Rob Essers Raincolours

Don't know much about Rob Essers, but when I first heard this CD it did seem to stand out from the crowd. The Ability to Dream gets the album off in fine style. Well chosen melodics embellish an excellent shifting sequential backdrop. A Walk Through... opens with succulent synth which is soon accompanied by measured sequence lines which develop the track into what is effectively a remix of Tangerine Dream's Love on a Real Train. This formula is augmented on Truceless by some superb lead synth work - I really like the voices which Rob Essers uses to pick out the melodies. Sparkles is a beautifully melodic interlude to the album with loosely bound elements which contrast with a highly infectious main theme. Square One again is a well presented mid-pace outing, but I want to talk about Luscious Feelings. Wonderful dancing sequences control the opening half, followed by a short mid section during which it sounds as if the track just might fizzle out. Worry not though, it is just gathering itself for the brilliant end section which combines infectious melody with a reprise of those sequence lines. Excellent. Monochromatic builds superbly on a wave of rumbling sequences, introduces guitar, then fades all too quickly. The title track (almost) is a disappointingly aimless affair, a hotch potch of half hearted themes. Loosing Chains is a more purposeful piece again featuring some stunning sequencer lines. Electrons is a more minimalist/reflective outing than previous tracks and, unlike Colors of Rain, the various elements do gel together well. The voices used bring to mind moments from TD's Poland. The Trivial Round of Life is a sobering thought, and it's an superb track to finish on. Bullish synth chords and brilliant sequences are straight from early 80's TD and sound fantastic. This is an excellent example of what modern day EM has to offer, and it's good to find so many consistently high quality tracks strung together on one album. TD/Ron Boots fans will find much on this album to their taste and although Rob hasn't rewritten the EM rule book he has certainly taken note of it to great effect. (GG)

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