Peter Benisch Soundtrack Saga

When Peter Benisch released 'Waiting for Snow' I raved about it more than I had done for any other album in quite some time. The things I liked most about it were the drum sounds, fantastic rhythms and overall production. This album has all those qualities but is actually more accessible than '...Snow'. I liked it but for me 'Waiting for Snow' still has the edge because on 'Soundtrack Saga' some of the harsher elements are replaced to make way for a slicker sound that would no doubt appeal to a wider audience. To my ears this did occasionally make the album seem a bit too smooth especially on a couple of the tracks in the middle of the album.

A bright cracking rhythm strikes up over gentle pads then another much deeper one joins it. 'Skymning' is much more complex than this makes it sound however with loads of subtle drum lines combining to form syncopated heaven. We move into 'The Wireframe Fields' on the back of a train type rhythm, wonderful ethereal pads swirling around. Somehow Peter gives his drum sounds a completely fresh feel and adds just the right gentle melody and synth washes here and there to add softness to the rhythmic barrage. 'Temple of Opposites' begins with a slow menacing beat over dark pads which develop a sort of vocal quality to them like sirens from the deep. Half way through we get a sudden halt then tinkling bells take over but it isn't long before the rhythm returns.

'Floating Points of View' uses bright effects over static through which another cracking rhythm forms. Cosmic effects give a rather uncluttered and stripped down feeling. Its all very intriguing but also acts as something of an atmospheric interlude. 'Love Theme' begins in even more cosmic fashion with gentle tabla type drums getting into a relaxed groove. More ethereal vocal effects can be heard then a rather romantic piano melody strikes up- its all very laid back and chilled, slightly too pleasant for my personal tastes but still a good track.

'Precious' begins with cavernous pads, water dripping from far above and the sound of footsteps. This couldn't be a greater contrast to the previous number. These sound effects disappear to be replaced by a lively concoction of drum sounds with a sublime melody floating in the middle of the mix. 'The Desert White' gets straight into a blistering almost helicopter blade rhythm that is mean and menacing- wonderful stuff! Half heard chatter is just discernible in the background which adds to the sinister nature still further. 'Interstellar Superstructure' uses yet another cracking rhythm combined with a sequence and deep low bass drum. The lead is provided by a very curious sound indeed, sort of half vocal half brass. There are even some lyrics in there but they are largely submerged in the mix - excellent inventive stuff.