Keller & Schonwalder & Broekhuis feat. Spyra & Fox
Space Cowboys @ Jelenia Gora
CD (limited Edition of 300) / 4 tracks / 75.56 mins
Play Sample:   56K Dialup   Broadband
Download Sample:   500K   1.5Mb
(Excerpt from track(s) 'Memories of Yesterday Pt 3')
We get a wonderfully metallic twangy start to Memories of Yesterday Part 1'. An absolutely fantastic flutey mellotron lead floats upward like a mist from a river then a slow but exquisite sequence bubbles through the mix. This really is an impressive start. The sequence morphs beautifully as Bas weaves a gentle rhythm that accompanies the pulsations perfectly. The pace starts to quicken in the seventh minute, a half organ / half flute lead propelling things forward. This is now very Schulze inspired showing influences from both the mid to late seventies as well as early eighties (as indeed does much of the album).

In the fourteenth minute we get a brief drum solo as a new sequence and subtle lead line take us off in a fresh direction before a steady wind down and transition into 'Londermolen #21'. It's all slow and moody, dreamy string sounds mixing with very low bass noises- almost like a throb. Gradually a rhythm starts to materialise and then what has become a concert favourite- just a glimpse of melody from Klaus' 'Ludwig II Von Bayern'. As the track becomes more syncopated the melody gets stronger, the crowd recognise the tune and show their appreciation. Every time I hear them do this it is placed in a different setting but however they introduce it, it is always wonderfully effective. Things keep building, sawing strings counterbalanced by ethereal effects as the rhythm continues to seep into ones consciousness. That wonderful old melody departs after making it's cameo to be replaced by gentle tinkling piano then chimes. Gorgeous lush pads rise and fall in the background, the sequence and rhythm still providing structure.

More lovely tron gets 'Memories of Yesterday Part 2' underway but a sequence soon propels things forward accompanied by Bas' sympathetic percussion. 50s Sci Fi warbling effects (a bit Theremin like) warble in the air. The exquisite standard from the first two tracks is continued into the third. A further sequence starts up, the rhythms become increasingly complex and things become even more exciting, Bas giving a particularly impressive performance in the ninth minute with yet more scintillating Sci Fi sounds. By the thirteen minute a bass pulse materialises accompanied by crashing effects. Things build to another piano led climax and another recognisable melody. Fantastic!

'Memories of Yesteryear Part 3' is launched with a no nonsense bass throb / sequence and sublime mellotron lead line. Another sequence, this time more melodic, joins the first as the energy level rises all the time, drums then electric guitar joining in the fun. The sequences start to crank up the pace. Blistering lead lines stab over the top as things really start to go ape. It's as if we are winding up to some explosive conclusion but instead when things have reached an amazing peak, first one element after another disappear as the track is gradually deconstructed until just one sequence with the odd effect remains. A stunning track to finish a fantastic album - get it while you still can! (DL)

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