Kubusschnitt
The Case
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(Excerpt from track 'The Soul of the Polymoog')
'The Case' opens with marvellous surging pads. Ethereal sonics sweep all before them. Latent energy builds. Piano adds detail as subtle oscillations suggest the merest hint of structure. The three minute mark heralds the introduction of classic Berlin School sequencing. Retro fans will already realise that this was money very well spent. It hits all the right buttons in terms of rhythm and style. 16 minutes pass in a flash.

Initially the synth vox on 'The Soul of the Polymoog' brings to mind TD from their 'Wavelength' soundtrack, however the introduction of guitar shifts the focus firmly towards Ashra territory. An ever present wall of sequences provide the backbone of the piece, and for me the trump card of this track is played in the last 3 or 4 minutes. Anyone with an aging recording of TD's '75 appearance at the Albert Hall will find the sequencing, sounds and general approach wonderfully familiar. Superb!!

'Techno Cafe' ain't bad but a plodding sequence spoils the party, however at 6:41 it's a fleeting aside. 'The Case II' restores normality with some fascinating sequencing and trademark mellotron timbres. I especially like the way the sequence notes plumb the depths, with differing riffs and layers constantly switching focus. Finally the 21 minute 'Sober Morning' simply confirms why this album needs to be in any retro fan's collection.

"Berlin School" sequencing, classic analogue timbres, Moogs, ARPs, Korgs, even a Yamaha CS80. Sounds like a "Dream Team" to me. (GG)

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