Harald Neis Restart From Sedna

The 21.56 title track opens the set very much in Enterphase style. Is this what Dave calls 'softsynths'? Niess builds up layers of gentle sequencing and keyboard solos and guitar sounds . It is all very competent and often enjoyable and very much in the cosmic synth mould. There are some proggy interludes and the guitar, samples or real, are well realised. Niess does offer some light and shade with more abstract interludes and later rock rythms and guitars for a very prog-like finale. Not up to Axxess/Maxxess standards but quite enjoyable nonetheless. Pianos add extra tonal variation. 'Passing Blue Wheels' returns to more familiar synth soundscapes with the guitar adding Oldfieldesque tones at the finale. 'Surf the Rings' offers softer synths for a more traditional Berlin school EM feel. 'Intermediate Landing' slowly builds from gentle arpeggios into a melodic and competent tone poem. 'Space Jam' does what is suggested in the title building slowly from echoed guitar and phased backdrops, again with a prog rock feel, especially with the rock rhythms and bassline and whips up quite a storm and for a while gives 'Contact' a run for its money.