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Review by Bill Binkelman This collaboration between Frank Klare and Ron Boots (apparently Boots "added" some music to three pieces on the CD, otherwise it's all Klare) is not one of the more intriguing or stronger releases in recent memory from Groove Unltd. Fans of classic retro Berlin school music, especially Tangerine Dream, may enjoy it, but if you (like me) prefer the more imaginative and less derivative work of "new schoolers" like Dom F. Scab, Gert Emmens, or Paul Ellis, I fear you will find the sequences, drum programming, and solos somewhat pedestrian. Three of these compositions overstay their welcome (they are thirteen, fourteen and eighteen minutes long), i.e. there is too little development of the main sequence and little or no exploration of side themes to keep me interested. Solos also are, more often than not, less than stellar. Every now and then, Klare (or Boots) throws in a wrinkle which caused me to sit up and take notice, but overall, I just found myself zoning out, entranced (against my will) by sequences and beats that flowed on uninterrupted. I suppose if you're into that aspect of Berlin school EM, this album will be satisfying and even enjoyable. Admitting my bias for music that is more involving and asks more from the listener (such as recent works from the artists named above or even Boots' relatively recent live collaboration, Livelines) I couldn't warm up to Monumental Dreams despite numerous attempts. Technically, of course, the CD sounds marvelous (no surprise there) and, on headphones, it at least offers some pleasant moments buried amid the monotony. If you don't demand much more from your EM except lively (if seemingly unending) sequences, flowing melodies now and then, and an assortment of programmed drums for drama sprinkled throughout, Monumental Dreams will prove an acceptable recording. Myself, I'll take a pass on this one. |
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