Andreas Akwara
Solar Eclipse
Play: Lo-Fi   Mid-Fi   Hi-Fi   Download: Lo-Fi   Mid-Fi   Hi-Fi
(Excerpt from track 'Part IV')
CD / 8 tracks / 61.45 mins

Cool space scenes adorn the booklet. The music conveys similar space images. A low-key affair at first, the electronics are content to meander about for the first couple of tracks. The first part (the tracks are simply named 'Solar Eclipse Part I' and so on) has some light percussion, bright piano, and a variety of soft electronic sounds that play very nicely. On this and the other tracks, even after several listens, I find it difficult to pinpoint comparisons to Akwara.

I hear perhaps a bit of the space music feel of Jonn Serrie, some of the majesty of Vangelis, even some modern influences like Pete Namlook in the form of the shuffling beats on 'Part III.' But when it comes right down to it, what I like most about Solar Eclipse is that it doesn't sound quite like anybody else in EM that comes to mind. A variety of moods and tempos are explored, and there is very much the feel of storytelling in the music as it passes. 'Part IV' has a great beat that moves things along, then 'Part V' is very dreamy and spacey.

The only track I didn't quite like was 'Part VI,' as a stuttering synth loop just ratchets up and down a scale, changing little for much of the ten minutes. But this is a temporary diversion, as 'Part VII' is a favourite, with a catchy rhythm much like 'Part IV' and a very good sense of how it wants to unfold. The last part reaches a majestic conclusion, repeating and enhancing familiar themes preceding it. I'd say Andreas Akwara is one to watch. (PD)

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.