Otarion Es Werde Licht

My style is not to open a review with !!!!!!!NOW JUST READ THIS!!!!!!! or something similar. But it is tempting when a CD of this calibre comes along. I haven't a clue who Otarion is (or are?). Most sleevenotes are in German, though thankfully English translations are provided for the tracks. What I can tell you is that it's on Mario Schönwälder's Manikin Records, and it's the best thing I've heard so far from that label. Some sections are so good that if they appeared on a Glynn Lloyd Jones new release I wouldn't be disappointed (those who know my admiration for GLJ will realise that I don't offer such distinction lightly). So I like it then? Emphatically yes, and as soon as you've heard the spaced out opening track you'll know why. The title track 'There Shall Be Light' is a sumptuous, flowing piece of stylish EM which is totally captivating. Panoramic scenes of total beauty are conjured up, and the form continues right into the second piece 'Heaven' which demonstrates skilful use of sweeps, pads and themes. The GLJ references start to appear with 'The Seas' which picks out a simple sequence and layered theme with such delicacy that it is a delight. 'The Plants' is again simplicity personified, yet is has a sophistication which outstrips many modern releases. 'The Cosmos' again scores no points for the title, but musically it is sonic vista which hits all the right buttons. 'The Planets' builds upon a wave of sequences and turns out to be a blistering track with dramatic rhythmics backing a top notch lead motif. This album really has it all! 'The Animals' is another sequence/synth delight with piano detail, and 'The Man' kicks in with more quality riffs and beguiling synth sounds. We're back to vista valley with the final track 'The Completion' as vast symphonic and choral sounds stalk the room before sequences break free again. The last album I enjoyed reviewing as much as this was Rob Essers' fantastic 'A Lizards Walk'. OK, the "Creation of the Universe" concept is nothing new but who cares what the basis is when the music is this good? 'Es Werde Licht't really is one not to miss. If you buy anything from this issue, make it this. (GG)

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