Namlook XIV Solarized

The opener 'Go No Go' rides on a wave of skeletal percussion and chugging rhythms. Synth riffs and effects there are aplenty, but the real feature is the use of samples. Unsure which film they are from, one of the apocalyptic asteroid ones I think, but they are arranged very skilfully and sound wonderful. The melody is uncomplicated and does grow with familiarity, and overall this is an accomplished opener.

The title track adopts a minimalistic approach for the first 3 minutes, with a repeated motif and subtle effects. A busy percussion line is introduced then the piece transforms into a bass laden rhythmic outing upon which extended choral pads and excellent synth lines are developed. Again the use of true rasping electronic voices is appealing, and the sound quality is breathtaking.

'Hidden Love' opens with superb, and very "EM" sounding, symphonic synthesis. An entrancing rhythm starts up and the expectation builds. The only fly in the ointment is the introduction of a strange "squelching" sound at the 5 minute mark. Some may like it, I found it hugely distracting and it spoilt a potentially epic piece.

Finally we have 'BEsic AnEmal' which truly is a glorious track. Understated but hugely effective melodics, superb mixture of sounds, and a corking rhythm - again chugging in nature and very much along the same principles as the other tracks. Definite Spyra territory.