Michael Garrison In the Regions of Sunreturn and Beyond CD / 11 Tracks / 49:02 mins Play Sample:   56K Dialup   Broadband Download Sample:   500K   1.5Mb (Excerpt from track(s) 'The Search')

'In the Regions of Sunreturn' was originally released in 1979 and either that album or this expanded version (which itself has been out now for over 15 years) should, in my opinion, be in the collection of every lover of truly analogue sounding sequencer based music. I couldn't believe just how good it was when I eventually got round to hearing it in the early eighties. Sequences just how they should be, big and proud and the melodies highly crafted and subtly changing, no meandering waffle here! We begin with 'To The Other side of the Sky'. Those gorgeous spacey analogue sounds twittering away over tinkling effects really take me back. Then enters the most awesome of rumbling bass sequences that to me was the first hint that this album might be something special. A wonderful lead line cries out over the pulsations hitting the spot perfectly. Unbelievably 'The Search' gets even better, the sequence just as powerful as on the opener, the leads soaring skywards almost like a triumphant challenge. 'Dreams' uses scintillating cosmic wind effects over which the most gorgeous slow moody lead line almost weeps from the speakers. It's the ideal foil for the powerful pulsations of the opening two tracks. I can't imagine anyone not being moved. 'Take a Chance' is one of two additional female vocal tracks not found on the original album. A sequencer kicks things back to life as the whimsical vocal encourages us to follow. I suppose it is all a matter of taste. It's not bad in a dreamy fantasy sort of way but then at the same time I was perfectly happy with the original album as it was. Normal service is resumed for the quite fantastic 'Twilights Return'. There are more sequencer lines than I can count, each weaving a melody of its own, supported by superb leads, every element complimenting each other perfectly. It just made me want to punch the air in pure joy. Variations on a theme both in sequence and melody continue through to 'Escape'. The feeling of euphoric energy is, if anything, even higher than before. More wonderful melodic sequences weave around each other giving 'Animation' a bright optimistic feel, a soothing lead line providing nice contrast. 'Theme to Onday' starts with a lovely slow melancholy melody before those beefy sequences steamroller forward once more and we return to one hundred miles an hour mayhem. This isn't all bludgeoning stuff however, as there are some lovely little interludes where playful staccato melodies shine through the insistent pulsations. 'The Black Hole' is a dark atmospheric breather, understandably cosmic with sonic twitters, solar winds and slow pads. A really nice track. 'For you and Me' is a reprise of the vocals, her words almost doing a duet against a tinkling lead line over a pulsating backdrop. Just programme it out if it isn't your thing. 'The Voyage' finishes our journey at breakneck speed but with really strong melodies still to the fore, ideal for air keyboard playing as your feet move to all the wonderful syncopations. I still have the vinyl of this album in my collection and it takes a prominent position. Think of the two vocal tracks not found on the original as 'additions', to be played or not depending on if you think they are a 'bonus' or an unnecessary supplement. (DL)

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