Erik Seifert A Trip to Nebula Cluster Play Sample:   56K Dialup   Broadband   Download Sample:   500K   1.5Mb (Excerpt from track(s) 'Outer Rim')

Erik Seifert is yet another of those new names to me and this recording, according to the liner notes was recorded between the period of 1992 to 2003. It is also interesting to note that his work is inspired by your usual suspects of Tangerine Dream, Jarre, Kraftwerk and Vangelis along with some other perhaps lesser known, but nevertheless auspicious luminaries.

Upon first listen it is not difficult to see the main influence being Vangelis but upon closer scrutiny of the work one can notice the more obvious influence of Tangerine Dream and there is even a brief Kraftwerk moment thrown in for good measure!

The overture 'Liquid Thoughts', the shortest track at just over 3 minutes offers a choral synth section laden with assorted effects. An effective theme then an additional solo lead enters taking the track to its conclusion.

'A Trip to Nebula Cluster' graces us next with its wash of obscure undercurrents and bell type effects. Shortly afterwards a decent sequencer pattern starts up and one of those typically early 80's sounding Vangelis lead lines intertwines with the music. Eventually new percussive elements are added later on in the piece together with the main theme. At 4 minutes the piece changes with slight, mid-seventies era Jarre influences. The Vangelis lead encountered earlier returns and the piece ends in chilled out fashion.

'Before Lift Off' begins with a mysterious theme. Another of those early Jarre influenced string sections returns and at around the 2-minute mark the listener is treated to a high pitched sequencer pattern. A light percussion loop appears and the piece goes through moments of transposition. Again the piece moves between Jarre influences and even a brief moment of Ian Boddy inspiration can be heard here. At just over 4 minutes a bell like theme enters leading on to that brief Kraftwerk moment as previously mentioned. The theme, sequencer/percussion work re-congregates for one final moment of triumph before coming to rest.

Another of those 70's Jarre moments graces the first part of 'Acceleration' with its expansive strings and effect layers. A high choral theme gives the piece atmospheric leanings and it is shortly joined by a light percussion loop. A stable theme is added under an array of intermittent sequencer patterns. Remaining stable until that last minute or so when the piece becomes more obscure. The engine fires up once more and blasts off to the tracks' conclusion.

'Blue Sky' begins with soundscapes and effects together with the intermittent inclusion of sampled space narrative. A slow bass sequencer pattern emerges along with bell effects closely followed by a main theme. A very film orientated piece.

'Lost in Space' contains more of those sampled space voices and is joined by some effective analogue synth pads with white noise underlay. Further radio effects create atmosphere leading on to a slow sequencer pattern and synth chords. A solid lead line enters over what now appears to be a steady rhythm section. There is a light and slightly melancholic feel to this piece.

With 'Outer Rim' we move off into strange synth effects territory. A mid tempo sequencer pattern coincides with intermittent chord structures. The Jarre-esq string section returns together with a bass percussion loop and further sequencing. Additional light percussive elements take hold leading on to a steadier rhythm loop. Power chords and a bell-type theme are introduced eventually being taken over by a bright piano motif. The track transposes at around the 5-minute mark and continues along the same path to its end.

'Drifting Home (Bost Remix)' runs quickly into a mid tempo percussion loop underlying effective synth chords. Samples flute effects enter and eventually a steady and gentle theme is introduced. Piano orientated with additional mysterious chords this piece eventually finds solace in a sea of phased effects.

The final track 'Reentry' is the longest piece on the album at 8 minutes and begins in continuation of the previous track. Further effects are added and an intermittent sampled voice section, which appears at various intervals throughout the whole piece enters. A stable chord is introduced together with a suitable bass section. A slightly resonant percussion loop at around 4 minutes is added with underlying string section. A higher pitched theme then enters but is kept way back in the mix. For a brief period just the sequencer section and effects are to be heard over further delayed synth patterns. The piece then fries up again for one last chance of sonic oblivion.