Johannes Schmoelling The Zoo of Tranquillity (1998 Remix)

First impressions are that this is almost a “chill out” version of the original, more stripped down and fundamental. Even the running order of the tracks have been altered with ‘The Lawnmower’ kicking off proceedings here. This track amply demonstrates Schmoelling’s approach to EM. It’s full of deft touches, with a relaxed sequence playing host to piano and synth interplay. Technically it’s flawless, but it lacks a killer theme which would transcend it to the realms of greatness - a fact which I’d level against many of the tracks on this album. ‘The Woodpecker’, however, is definitely an exception. On the original album it shone brightly with a spell binding melody and fascinating electronic wizardry. Here, though it remains a gem, to my ears he’s done it no favours. He’s pitched the theme up an octave, made use of a thinner voice and generally it sounds “weedier”. You do get used to it though, and to be fair had I not heard the original I’d praise this unequivocally.