Synopsis Surrillion Dreams Play: Lo-Fi   Mid-Fi   Hi-Fi   Download: Lo-Fi   Mid-Fi   Hi-Fi (Excerpt from track 'Sunburst Vision')

The first Synopsis release proved to be very popular but this, the second, is an even more accomplished album sounding somewhat more polished and consistent. A rapid sequence emerges from a gentle melodic series of notes as ‘Jetstream Surfer’ gets underway. The sequence mutates as another even faster one is added to it and combined with a no nonsense rhythm its as if we have just engaged the afterburner. There’s much here to keep Tangerine Dream fans happy but it also retains a freshness all of its own. ‘Subtropolis’ starts with a water fall of notes then we get a very slow mechanical sequence, not sounding too dissimilar to Edgar Froese's ‘Nights of Automatic Women’ from the ‘Ages’ album. The track draws you in and images of a whole host of people doing everything in unison come to mind.

‘Phaedrazine’ (!) again leaves now doubts as to where Synopsis’ influences lie but don’t expect a retro album, there is much more at work here. Straight away we get into a swirling, echoing, metallic sounding sequence coming in and out of the mix. Sawing string effects now come in which then suddenly sound as if ten more layers of the same are added over the top and a very 90s bass rhythm takes us close to overload but somehow still manages to stay on the right side of sanity, awesome! ‘Surrillion Dream’ gives us the first atmospheric start, distorted notes being allowed to hang in the air and fade away the next note making an appearance before the previous one finally disappears. At three minutes a rather menacing sounding rhythmic loop enters and more weird and wonderful sounds spiral round it.The soundtrack to a drugged out nightmare perhaps but all very compelling drawing you in like a moth to a flame.

‘Polymorphic Waves’ begins with a pulsating drone and a ‘tinkling’ sequence layered over the top. Rapidly on its heals however is a great bass sequence which is accompanied by an infectious rhythm and then a dense but unnerving lead line. This is a very powerful track full of vitality and energy but at the same time with that hint of menace. ‘Stormchasers’ features a lovely melodic sequence which is joined by a gorgeous lead line at just past the two minute mark. A cracking little track. ‘Sunburst Vision’ begins its life deep in the cosmos but it isn’t long before the pace starts to quicken and we enter stonking sequencer territory as one sequence after another are layered on top of one another. At four minutes the lead lines make an appearance, two of them, and rather splendid they are too, making the accelerator pedal on the car go down way too far. If you are on nine points beware. ‘Wave upon Wave’ is basically three tracks rolled into one. Wave 1 gets straight into an other worldly sequence full of bleeps and shimmers. Wave 2 ups the intensity as a completely new sequence replaces the previous one which itself is replaced by yet another, again bringing up all sorts of cosmic imagery. We are then left for a short period with some laid chords which make the final wave even more effective when it hits. A new sequence splashes forward joined by yet another highly melodic one. A rhythm is added. The track becomes increasingly complex but no less beautiful. A first class track to finish a first class CD. Well done Bernie, a giant leap forward. (DL)

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