Rudy Adrian Par Avion (Sequencer Sketches Vol 4) CD / 7 tracks / 78.45 mins Play Sample:   56K Dialup   Broadband Download Sample:   500K   1.5Mb (Excerpt from track(s) 'Soaring Birds')

The sound of birdsong and someone working in the garden, then spoken French text, might be a strange way to start 'Par Avion' but it's certainly atmospheric and probably outlining the concept behind the first five tracks- just my fault that I can't speak French. A gentle percussive sequence emerges from the introduction backed by gorgeous dreamy pads and the subtlest of shimmering melodies. A gentle rhythm is introduced but it's soothing rather than energetic. If you don't feel chilled after this you're in serious trouble! 'Bavarian Eagle' initially continues in laid back fashion with more restrained rhythms and sequences over the most blissful of backings. This time however the lead line is more prominent. Very gradually the rhythm gains extra power and a further sequence is introduced as the track builds. A very retro lead now weaves a wonderful spell and we step up yet another gear, chugging along nicely.

At the eight-minute mark it's as if the brake has suddenly been put on as we rather grungingly wind down. A bright rapid sequence takes over, a second lower register one comes to join it, eventually becoming quite ballsey as things continue to rebuild until we have once again worked up quite a head of steam. 'Across the Canyons' momentarily calms the senses as moody waves of sound swell then slowly decay into the distance. Things become a little more menacing however as a deep sequence roles forward accompanied by bass rumbles. It's as if clouds are slowly bubbling up in a previously clear bright sky. A beautiful piano melody amply does the images implicit in 'Soaring Birds' justice. A slow three note sequence and melancholy lead line take us forward but suddenly the sequence becomes more complex and rhythmic as well as greatly increases in pace. Maybe the bird is now swooping down in pursuit of prey. Again the lead is so wonderfully retro and analogue sounding. We return to gentle piano to finish. What an awesome track this is!

'Sore Birds' again uses a slow deep sequence, this time emerging from rather 'breathy' pads. A second very rapid sequence fizzes into being, completely replacing the first in a cascade of exciting notes as we blast forward in warp drive. The most powerful track on the album so far. Wow! We finish with more garden sound effects. I suspect that this is where the actual 'Par Avion' album ended. We still have two more tracks however 'Starfields 2 - Parts 1 and 2'. My guess is that this is an additional mini album included as a bonus. 'Part 1' lives up to the drifty atmospherics hinted at in the title- though a rather dark and foreboding slant on it. Tinkling effects add a little detail from time to time but generally this is fairly amorphous stuff- I mean- well out there man. 'Part 2' carries on in similar fashion but feels sparser. There's a crystalline coldness to it formed by metallic tones- sort of like the sound of a bell but without the initial strike - just the long shimmering decay. Eventually we do get the full bell chimes, strike as well, but they are all very mellow- not your church variety. Whether it be driving sequences or soothing ambient soundscapes Rudy seems to be able to handle it with some aplomb. (DL)

This page is part of a frame set. If you can't see the information strip to the left of the screen then click on the smd logo above.