Intelligentsia Zonderland CDR / 10 Tracks / 46.17 mins Play Sample:   56K Dialup   Broadband Download Sample:   500K   1.5Mb (Excerpt from track(s) 'Wanderer') Please go to the Store to buy this item.

A Japanese sounding melody floats through the air but it has been given a rather mechanical feel thus (I assume) the title 'Klock Work'. Soft almost symphonic pads swell and create a lovely melody, bass stabs adding extra detail. The music surges, becoming quite euphoric then subsides again to regroup before a more forceful rhythm takes things forward once more. There is a feel throughout of the ideal combination of synthetic and organic. Loved it. 'Anchorage' has a rather whimsical sound with a squeezebox melody providing the main feature around more conventional electronic leads and embellishments. This is nothing like the Intelligentsia most of you will recognise from 'Civilisations' for instance but it is a very fine track nevertheless, and loads of fun! Shimmering electronics and an excellent bass line launch 'Venturer' then in comes a driving rhythm and staccato lead- what a belter! This isn't to say it is all bludgeoning stuff though- there is light and shade in there as well. 'Ludwig' must be a nod towards Beethoven as we begin with a rather classical sounding piano solo (though at a hundred miles an hour!). A bass line is added, as is further electronic symphonic backing. Classical sounding music done on electronics is nothing new but don't think of Tomita, Synergy or even Walter Carlos here, as this isn't just trying to copy old masters with modern instruments, it is a perfect blending of the old and the new in both technology and inspiration. The title track starts all grandiose with harpsichord (type) and organ backing. A synth solo takes centre stage creating a track which is subtle but at the same time packs a punch. 'Needless Violence' is back to in yer face rhythms and exciting lead lines almost spitting venom. Wonderful stuff! I was expecting more of the same for 'Warlord' but instead we get the full Hollywood treatment with tympani and orchestrations creating a real epic anthemic feel. It is very impressive how each of the different styles of music covered on this album can be pulled off with equal skill. 'Apparition' is moody with light electronic touches over deep bass rumbles. Ghostly little shimmering effects hover above it all. 'Wanderer' picks up the pace again, cranking up the sequencer over which floats a mournful lead line. After a couple of minutes the sequence departs and a lovely bass melody floats almost in isolation. This proves to be just an interlude however as the pulsations soon return but this time accompanied by cracking, driving rhythms. Melody after melody are brought in. It is quite incredible just how much can be fitted within a six minute track and yet there is no feeling of clutter at all. 'Off Limits' is another sequencer based number but like the opener has a sort of 'ticking' mechanical feel to it. Things surge forward with more pulsations and rhythms imparting a real feeling of oomph but as with many of the other tracks here there is an ebb and flow to the composition that balances power with intelligent melody. A stonking track to finish off an excellent collection. This album was recorded over ten years ago so provides an interesting insight into the development of Intelligentsia. The compositional skill is just as bright and tightly honed as recently produced works but has an even more 'soundtrack' feel than the music being created today (though that element still remains). (DL)

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