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This is the third CD release from German artist Reiner Klein AKA Otarion, released on the British Neu Harmony label, who specialise in instrumental electronic music & boast many fine albums in their catalogue.
The sound of Otarion combines the uplifting & inspiring strength of instrumental rhythmic synthmusic (Tangerine Dream & JM Jarre fans will find a lot to admire here) whilst maintaining a more subtle, spacey edge.The climactic flourishes on many of the tracks are a wonder to behold & that he then adds the most infectious melodic leads you can imagine is just the finishing touch to a superb musical style that is spiritual, uplifting & utterly superb.
The opening "Pieces Without Traces" builds from it's spacey genesis to an exciting & up-tempo finish, avoiding anything too easily commercial but proving accessable & uplifting all the same.The artist is consistently able to build & develop his tracks without losing the thread or the listener's interest as proved by the equally superb "Context".The full promise of this track is realised as it builds by means of some resonant brass swells which serve as a taster for the rhythmic latter sections which further benefit from a slightly more assertive delivery, thanks mainly to some guitar-like licks from the Roland JD800.The alternating quieter sections add to the tension until the piece reaches it's compelling climax.
Just when you thought it couldn't possibly get any better, "First Mystery" opens with an utterly gorgeous cosmic heart warmer.The sequences employed here are interspersed with sections that mix spacey & symphonic sounds with regimented drums used sparingly to give just a touch of ceremony.Throughout the album, though, that delicate edge is maintained, even during the relatively energetic offerings like "Elements" with it's cutting edge bass leads or "Strength Of Life" which starts with BIG ominous bass chords & ends up with the most overtly rhythmic section of the album.As the music grows & develops, gaining in confidence & finding it's feet it's easy to see this track as a direct metaphor of one's lifespan.
There are some definate hints of trance throughout many of the album's more rhythmic moments & this is finally expressed openly during "Ways Of Creation", although the catchy melodics prevent any lack of progression which means the track is in no way at odds with the rest of the album.All of which leaves "Destination" to finish the album with a restrained but inspiring flourish, very much in keeping with the style of the album as a whole.
Well, I guess any more superlatives or praise from me now are pretty much redundant, this album is a winner from start to finish so get it now or live forever in sorrow.
RATING: 9
Artist Link: http://www.synthmusicdirect.com
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