Various Artists The Truth is Twisted

The second in the "Truth" series, the first being 'Out There Lies the Truth' reviewed in smd 5. The concept is inspired by The X Files series and the album "tries to create music that would fit within the series and even enhance it". In common with the first release, artists such as Ron Boots and Eric & Harold Van Der Heijden contribute tracks working as duos. Four new names appear on the crew list, and I was especially interested to see that one was none other than Alpha Wave Movement - Gregory Kyryluk. Kees Aerts & Ron Boots open with 'The Sensation of the Vortex'. It's hypnotic sequences all the way, totally in keeping with RB's trademark style. Some well placed samples, and an ear for sounds and effects which really work, make this a totally captivating opening 10 minutes. Jean Paul van Engelen & Robert Marselje contribute 'We've X-ed the Line' which is an atmospheric chugger with rasping bass rhythmics forming the backdrop to some fairly undistinguished melodics and pads. 'Asylum' by Kees Aerts & Harold van der Heijden is a decent enough outing which I'm sure would accompany the piercing torch beams of Mulder & Scully very well, however it again doesn't inspire as a stand alone piece of EM. 'Cryogenic Hypersleep' is a different matter though. Eric van der Heijden and Robert Marselje combine to produce a sublime piece of melodic and uplifting music, with lilting sequence lines accompanying a delightful lead synth line. The catchily titled 'The Tears From the Insane Bounce Like bullets of my Brain' (Ron Boots & Harold Teunissen from Syndrone) is a collage of offworld effects evoking images of BladeRunner as much as X-Files. 'The Last Bus Stop' (Ron Boots & Volker Rapp from Demo Art) is a strange affair, with soulful bluesy trumpet synth layered onto rain sodden effects. At last Alpha Wave Movement makes an appearance, with Kees Aerts on 'Alien Artifacts of Ice'. Immediately the combination of sublime electronics and superb voicings makes an impact. The analog style effects are great, and though it doesn't scale the peaks of 'Transcend-ence' it's still a fine piece and in common with many of the tracks the use of samples is restrained and hugely effective. 'Current' (Rene de Vreng & Johannes Munz) is drum laden rhythmic piece of some merit with plenty of powerful sequencing which should impress Mark Shreeve fans. Finally the strangely titled 'Take 2, The 3rd' (Volker Rapp & Eric van der Heijden) ends in appropriately thoughtful mood, a track which is nothing to write home about but it does the job well enough. This is a thoughtfully compiled album which contains many fine moments, blending primarily atmospheric compositions with one or two sequencer gems. Comparisons are inevitable with the excellent 'Mars Project' compilations which I think just get my vote as the better all-rounders, especially the exceptional Part 1. However, this album does have the X-Files connection and fans of that series will not be disappointed with this tribute. It's worth noting that, according to the sleevenotes, this album was never planned but because of the popularity of 'Out There Lies the Truth' (which apparently sold out within 3 months) a follow up seemed mandatory. Looks like if you want to add this to your collection you may have to be quick. (GG)

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