Mark Jenkins Space Dreams 2

10 tracks of modern EM brought together to form the second instalment of Mark Jenkins' 'Space Dreams' series. 'SuperNova' is an uptempo sequenced piece with a decent enough melody which almost breaks into 'Telstar' at one point. There's a fair old lineup of equipment on show, both analog and digital, and the sound produced is consequently full and detailed. Pump up the volume to appreciate fully. 'Gravity Waves' (the longest piece at 7:48) opens in measured fashion with pleasing synth stabs. The tempo is then raised (literally) producing a boppy number which does its best to hold the attention and largely succeeds. 'Neptune Storm' takes over seamlessly and grabs the focus with beefy sequencing. Melodically it's a bit lightweight but overall it's another successful outing. 'Ancient Light' is certainly not lightweight in the melodic department. It's a surging example of electronic themework which stirs the imagination. Of the remaining tracks, 'Rock 64001' contains some more dramatic sequencing and 'Pulsarsphere' serves up plenty of uptempo electronic rhythms and synth lines. One of my criticisms of 'Space Dreams 1' was that it straddled the uncertain ground between the spacey and the uptempo, and ended up being successful at neither. 'Space Dreams 2' certainly injects more life and spirit into proceedings and is consequently a more satisfying musical experience. On first hearing things can still sound a tad superficial, but familiarity brings its reward and you soon realise that there's a lot going on here. Expect safe ground and some excitement and you'll not be left disappointed. (GG)

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