Free System Projekt Substance

One of the tracks which particularly impressed me on the GoldTri sampler was ‘Amalthea’ by Free System Projekt. That infectious combination of rhythmics and oscillating sequences gets me every time. Hence when Dave Law came up with the CD single and album mentioned on the sleevenotes I was delighted. This is a CD-R single which features nearly 19 minutes of varied and captivating electronic music. ‘Substance’ opens with heavy electronic effects which gradually develop form and shape to become the basis a pulsing sequence. The introduction of pin sharp percussion completes the metamorphosis and allow extended synth chords to take centre stage. This is supplemented by a lead motif of such stature that could be the basis of a complete track. It’s a totally infectious section—definitely one of the best I’ve heard this year—which lasts an all too fleeting 30 seconds or so before a foreboding landscape is mapped out. We’re only 5 minutes in and already the shapeshifting abilities of this piece are very evident. Racey sequences then gather themselves and synth themes jostle for position. The polyrhythms morph constantly keeping the fascination quotient high. Ten minutes in and another change of emphasis sees echoed sequence packets unleashed and than hauled back in. More upbeat percussion blends superbly with the mix and the overall effect brings to mind the EM oriented side of Spyra, whereas the final piece hints at Asana with fantastic sequences and yet another infectious main theme. From many angles FSP are an exciting proposition. The hypnotic rhythms strike a perfect balance between EM and trance/dance, while the melodic themes are never less than impressive and often strike an infectious chord with unerring precision. The result is a CD single not to be missed. (GG)

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