Peter Benisch
Waiting for Snow
Yet another high class release on the Fax label, this time firmly in modern ambient territory. The eleven tracks are parts one to eleven of the title. Into the music. A throbbing beat turns into a pulsating drone, a chugging rhythm joins it. The overall impression is one of a huge living machine. Vast, almost symphonic, synth pads swell into an enormous uplifting sound that just takes the breath away. Part two gets straight into a fantastic rhythm that is most certainly 90s though to call it dance would be doing it a great injustice, it is so much better than that. A pin sharp melody grabs the attention which is replied to by a rhythmic motif that synchronizes with the main rhythm perfectly. Things momentarily strip down to basics but very quickly all of the previous elements are reintroduced. An absolutely stonking track! A deep male voice talks over the top of part three while a variation of the previous rhythm is used to just as devastating effect. Then the lead line comes in and oh my oh my.

Part Four, what a sound! How on earth could such an amazing sequential / rhythmic sound have not been used before? Absolutely devastating! Then the lead line comes in and yet again is a complete killer. Parts five and six are short and relaxed but none-the-less superbly crafted little numbers that give one time to gather the senses back together from what has been experienced before. Back into rhythmic territory for part seven and another slab of genius. This just goes to show how to handle rhythms in a way that makes them more atmospheric than in yer face. Part eight and, oh what! How did he dream up that drum line? It develops in intensity and massive bass booms join in. A melody of mega proportions is then tossed in and another simply stunning lead joins it. I am running out of words that mean f****** brilliant but you have probably got the idea by now that I rather like this album. Part Nine’s rhythmic element is more conventional in form but the sound used is so pin sharp that it just grabs the attention from the first thud. Part Ten and he does it again, more brilliant rhythms both powerful and atmospheric at the same time. Rasping effects dominate the last part which is rather a strange affair that I think I will have to listen to a few more times but with this CD that won’t be a problem.

If it is possible to wear out a CD from constant playing then this one is a goner . It is a “must purchase”, not remotely retro and certainly of the 90s but this is surely the direction to move in. It should be essential listening for every EM musician around today. Oh yes, one last thing - it is a limited edition of 1000. Fax must be off their rockers! (DL)

This page is part of a frame set. If you can't see the information strip to the left of the screen then click on the smd logo above.