Stephen Parsick Traces of the Past

Ever since hearing Stephen’s superb collaboration album with Lambert Ringlage, ‘Trancesession’ (one of SMD’s all time best sellers) I have been looking forward to a solo effort by this sickeningly talented musician. ‘Traces’ has hardly been off my player since receiving it and I am sure will be close on the heals of the ARC CD for top place in next months chart - it could even beat it. On many of the tracks Klaus Hoffmann-Hoock from Mind over Matter helps out with some of the most complimentary guitar work I have ever heard on a synth album, adding to the amazing analogue textures and rhythms rather than detracting from them. Fans of Edgar Froese or Manuel Gottsching's quieter playing should be particularly impressed. ‘Submerging’ starts the album in a state of drift similar to Cyborg or Timewind period Klaus Schulze. This is atmospheric music of the very highest order, constantly changing and gently pulsating. The next track ‘Close Beneath The Surface’ could well find a place in most SMD customers top ten tracks ever. The sequencing is simply stunning in both power and pattern. The guitar playing at one moments is of the most beautiful space guitar variety and the next becomes more upfront and increases in intensity as the sequence builds and builds but without ever becoming too dominant, leaving the synths to tell the story but still taking on an essential supporting role. If you like sequencer music and don’t think this is one of the most amazing tracks ever I will kiss my cat’s bum! ‘Cosmic Jellyfish’ and ‘Green Depth’ act as bridging pieces in the same laid back style as the first track and are rather welcome in order to regain ones composure after what has gone before. Next we have the amazing twenty five minute ‘Totem Poles’ After a couple of minutes of drift a lead line like a solar flare exploding from the sun brings the track to life. Close on its heals we have a base sequence which really does make the floor shake. I am reminded of late 70s Schulze and fans of this period should surely be sent into raptures. ‘Quicksilver Sea’ is another very restrained number making use of gorgeous space guitar and Mellotron sounds. Stephen, as well as being a master of the sequencer can put together some of the most stunning relaxing tracks I have ever heard. Finally we have ‘Traces of the Past’, which works far better here than on the colours compilation. It is very haunting and full of sorrow. Miss this album at your peril! (DL)

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