Arc
Radio Sputnik
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(Excerpt from track 'Arc - Angel')
This is a live recording of Ian Boddy's and Mark Shreeve's appearance at the 5th Alfa-Centauri festival in March 1998. Reports of the concert were extremely positive so this is an opportunity not to be missed. The equipment list simply states "100M and IIIC" which belies the mountain of analogue gear which was used in the concert, and with the deep bass rhythm on the 'Steam' those comforting Moog pulsations come flooding back. Choral pads and a simplistic yet relatively melodic synth lead make this a very enjoyable experience, the track building in complexity as it proceeds with modular bleeps and effects abounding as the bass laden rhythm ploughs inexorably on. 'Transmit 1' is a glorious effects laden interlude, high on twiddle factor, with completely indescribable noises and atmospherics. The title track blends seamlessly, the bass layers offset with foreboding, edgy detail and again the pace increases as the track proceeds. The piece is stripped down as it breaks down to a close, merging into the bleak opening atmospheric of 'Who Walks Behind You'. Electric piano then emerges, touches of Spyra come to mind, then a flute voice offsets the piano to produce a startlingly beautiful piece which still purveys an air of unrest.

Cue the bass rhythmics again as the title track from their previous album 'Octane' emerges. This is the longest piece at 13.46 and just bask in the detuned oscillations and restrained power. 5 minutes and the track really cranks up the dynamics, an epic piece which just grows and grows into an unstoppable force. The closing minutes are purest Node. 'Tansmit 2' follows, yes more effects but, oh, the choral expanse which is painted - simply magnificent. 'Arc - Angel' then edges into position, with careful refrains setting the scene. Then the sequencing hits home - and wow! The album so far has strained to avoid any reference to more traditional elements, preferring the parallel Node route. But here the Redshift refrains are unmistakable, a companion piece to the 'Ether' set. I could try to be "hip" and say this 12:52 piece is not the stand-out moment for me. I could say the newer sound is fresh and vibrant and we can't look to the past forever. I wouldn't argue with anyone who had this viewpoint - but, I'm sorry, 'Arc - Angel' is the stand-out piece for me. Because it is the purest form of EM sequencing, played on the purest synth on the planet.

'Relay' ends the set, and again what a "corker" this is. The more traditional sequence elements from the previous track almost "bleed" into this piece, and it takes a while for the more "off the wall" approach to get a grip. This struggle is fascinating in itself. Sequencer pyrotechnics. Enough said.

It's all great, but Redshift fans - wait no more. 'Arc - Angel' is here. File next to 'Ether'. (GG)

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