Phil Whyman
Within the Matrix
Play: Lo-Fi   Mid-Fi   Hi-Fi   Download: Lo-Fi   Mid-Fi   Hi-Fi
(Excerpt from track 'Seventh Atom')
The album opens with ‘Prophet’ which is a breezy, uptempo slice of rhythmic EM with decisive melodics. Michael Garrison comparisons cannot be avoided even at this early stage, with the sequencing especially notable for its power and poise. ‘Language of Absolute’ follows and again the Garrison theme continues. Trademark lush thematics overlay a chugging sequential riff. Track 3 ‘Orbiting IO’ is notable for the Jarre touches, both the synth vox and effects ooze the French master’s influence. ‘Metropolis Sunset’ switches angle and adopts a dancier approach with clever percussive touches and a soaring main theme which builds from Gary Numan style beginnings.

Track 5 opens up with more sequences and you do start to think that perhaps you’ve heard this rhythm a couple of tracks back. However, the standard is consistently high and the quick-fire approach ensures that boredom doesn’t come into the equation. ‘The 3rd Line’ presents a lighter stance with delicate motifs and a simplistic beat, and ‘Liquid’ is a cracking slice of Jarre pyrotechnics with a memorable arpeggiating main theme and strong rhythmics. It’s all change again as ‘Linear State’ takes off on a thudding dance beat and the piano refrains bring to mind Robert Miles. We return to more mainstream EM territory with ‘7th Atom’ as the sequencers fire up and the insistent beat kicks in to back a searing lead line.

The remaining tracks keep the quality high and the approach varied. With 16 tracks on offer it’s difficult not to feel an air of deja-vu now and again, and the predictable nature of always winding up proceedings at around the 3-4 minute mark does become slightly distracting. But these are minor flaws on what is a remarkably accomplished selection of modern EM pieces. Sequencer fans in the mode of Jarre and Garrison especially will find this hugely appealing. (GG)

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.