Ian Boddy Space The Unknown & UFOs Please go to the Store to buy this item.

This is the second Library CD produced by Ian Boddy, following the impressive and popular ‘Developing Technologies’. Where the first CD presented the vitality and pace of technological advancement, this CD explores the depths of space (as the title suggests in no uncertain terms!) giving scope for plenty of “out of this world” synthesis. The tracks are organised in the standard library CD format. The 20 full length tracks weigh in between 2 and 3½ minutes and are all succinctly described on the sleeve. Twenty 30 second snippets of each piece then follow. This is actually slightly different to ‘Developing Technologies’ where 15 tracks were presented in 3 different lengths. ‘Out of this World’ opens. Described as “expansive, powerful - mid tempo” I’d fully agree with this. Yamaha CS80 style synth lines rip open the soundstage bringing to mind Vangelis, with booming drums and crashing symbols also pitching ‘Bladerunner’ into the equation. Then a lilting sequence emerges which blends perfectly with the anthemic synth lines. This really is a gem of a piece. ‘Visitation’ is a pulsating slab of swamp music with night calls and eerie sound effects. ‘In Search of Knowledge’ features an excellent sequential rhythm which packs a huge amount of variety into a touch under 4 mins. ‘Anamolous Phenomena’ is a classic slab of Ian Boddy symphonics with, again, a genuinely strong arrangement and melody. ‘The Vision’ contains an incredibly realistic female operatic synth voice pitched against a floating backdrop of ethereal pads, while ‘Research and Discover’ contains an intriguing jangling sequence and cutting synth effects. ‘Life Beyond’ is classic deep space material, while the “anxious and questioning” ‘UFO Files’ contains more than a whiff X-File antics. ‘The X Factor’ displays busy sequencing with Kraftwerk style detail and some great effects, while the title track is an epic drifter with sweeping resonations and a subtle theme. The variety comes thick and fast as ‘Investigation’ utilises robust sequenced rhythmics which move around with the confident melody, while ‘Surfing Space’ is another marvellous floating experience. It’s also worth listening to the 30 second versions to audition the whole album in 10 minutes flat! The standard and consistency of this album belies the challenge which producing 20 separate pieces of EM represents. The result is a bumper collection of bite size tracks each of which display Ian Boddy in confident form. (GG)

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