Mario Schonwalder Bas Broekhuis & Friends Spherical Bodies (Reissue) Play Sample:   56K Dialup   Broadband   Download Sample:   500K   1.5Mb (Excerpt from track(s) 'Remember the Old Sequence') Please go to the Store to buy this item.

The friends appear to be Lutz Schmeidal and Sun'Ja Willis, but I'm not sure what they play, so apologies for a lack of detail in this area. It's a CDR re- issue from 1994.

'Spherical Bodies' is up first and is split into 2 parts, although index points are not used (a bit odd really). A stuttering bass line and rich pads introduce the track. Soon a soaring lead is deployed, a key change made and a sequence, again strangely stuttering, is added. The beats build and we also have some overdriven guitar. The track is broken down during the fifth minute, ethereal pads taking centre stage. But the build is inevitable with more guitar. It's well done but left me a little uninvolved – odd as I loved these guys at HJ3.

The title of the next cut will no doubt get the Berlin hardcore excited – 'Remember the old sequence'. After 2 mins of celestial bliss we do indeed get a sequence or two, but there's no pounding the Rubycon here. The track does have some wonderful 70s-style leads/soloing and stately beats however, as well as brittle but dramatic digital synth stabs (recalling an altogether different era of TD). It is a track of great class – especially the glorious central solo - it certainly got the CD on track for me.

We return to the cosmos for the opening of 'De Drakenberg' as shimmers of sound spread around us, punctuated by subtle percussion. A beautiful choral pad is juxtaposed next to a harsh and unsettling electronic wail – this is highly evocative, it just makes you think of scary places! At the 4.20 min mark we get a more robust beat, a faintly eastern melody and some 'flute' soloing – it reminded me of 'Tin Drum' era Japan. This is a moody and fine track! The piece gradually returns to its quite roots and ends.

Symphonic washes of analogue sound, tasteful acoustic guitar and a ticking, marimba like sequence. We have the elements for 'Analoog en digitaal'. By the 2.30 min mark the chaps have added a second sequence, cleanly played guitar and a very nice rhythm. We get some interesting key changes to ensure interest, before a more analogue sequence joins the mix. I liked the slow and steady pace here – a good track.

A hypnotic sequence and breathy pads get 'A classical Event' underway. Supporting stabs, beats and snatches of melody/sequences soon join the mix. The beats build, and the symphonic elements take on melodic duties. At the 6 min mark the mood darkens as digital drones rise from the depths and the beats are stripped back. The track descends into darkness for the close.

'Remember the old Sequence' (a 'radio mix') is up next. Immediately a looping, fairly subtle sequence sparks up, circled by pads and beautiful retro solo (clearly Mr Schonwalder). The track obviously shares elements with its namesake, but the retro aspects are somehow intensified – that solo just sounds like perfection here!

'Meet the fear' opens with dark sound design and an ominous pulse. Dramatic beats are launched at the 40 secnd mark alongside a marimba-like sequence. This had the feel of Depeche Mode's occasional instrumental moments. However, a synthy sax sound dispelled that thought quickly! The track has a vaguely manic feel – perfect given the title!