HEMISPHERE

Beast In The Heat

Groove Unlimited (2003)

review by Mark Morton

If one associates with a "school" of music these days, one has to be careful to avoid the path that will lead to a creative straightjacket. Nowhere is this more true than in the field of electronic music where there appear to be as many schools as there schools of fish in the ocean, each with advantages and disadvantages. The "Berlin School" is one such potential straightjacket, bringing to mind the heyday of Tangerine Dream and Klaus Schulze and the styles associated with their music; the most recognizable of which include minor key melodies, rhythmic, arpeggiated and overlapping sequences, and long, dreamy, held ambient pads with interesting birdcall or bell tone effects used as an overlay.

Hemisphere has been associated with the Berlin School, but, like its best practitioners, has declined to don the accompanying straightjacket. The result in this case is a happy one for the listener who is treated to a creative, modern set that explores musical expression rather than a recording of something resembling a tribute band.

The group, which presently consists of Ralf Knappe-Heinbockel and Thorsten Reinhardt, probably got its Berlin School tag from the atmospheric pads that dominate its arrangements because, while there is very creative use of rhythm throughout, only one track contains anything similar to a "Berlin" sequence. What makes this set stand out from the pack is the creative arrangements and the expressiveness of the ambient flights. This is an exceptional set that will hold your attention whether you are fond of the Berlin School or like newer downtempo ambient chill.

The first track, "Starlight Casino," begins with ambient whooshes and long sustained synth tones and effects that resemble the opening of a live Tangerine Dream concert from 1976. However the piece soon morphs into a delightful downtempo groove, with a compelling, expressive, mysterious wordless vocal from Petia Huschle. The percussion accompanying this track is excellent, modern-sounding without dominating the track. "Chroma" begins with a tranquil ambient soundscape that sustains a thoughtful mood throughout. This allows the floating pads and effects that are inserted into the piece to become a focus without detracting from the background.soundscape.

"The Frogs" begins with synth effects and whirring and whooshing sounds taking center stage and effectively becoming integrated with a modern sounding "slow groove." The contrast of old and new sounds sustains interest where it might not otherwise develop. The track segues seamlessly into "Shadows In The Basement." This expressive piece develops with a sad sounding mellotron theme in the foreground and some effective whispery vocal sounds toward the end.

"Hydra" continues using whispered sounds as a source of electronic transformation but also changes the mood with a slightly menacing sounding uptempo percussion riff, coupled with creative and interesting filter sweeps. Guitar and Brazilian percussion are added and the groove is modulated cleverly throughout. The piece closes with an inventive short theme based n the harmony of the opening riffs.

"MBB12," a short soundscape, follows, which serves to introduce the longest piece "Energy Brand', which contains the long awaited "Berlin" sequence. This sequence, while rhythmically accented, is buttressed by some well-integrated 4 on the floor percussion, and the resonance and brightness of the sequence have the effect of propelling the track forward in a very enjoyable manner. Although it is the longest track, it goes by very quickly. "Alpha Order" is a pretty soundscape introduction to "Pallas" where a syncopated groove is laid down as a backdrop for tasteful acoustic guitar overlays and creative delayed sequences that sustain interest. "Mura," the [CD] closer, features beautiful shimmering choral pads over a string sound that evokes yearning. The final bonus track (track 11 on my player, although only 10 tracks are listed on the CD) is another soundscape, very brief and darker than the ones before. It left me awaiting their further journeys with interest.

I thought this CD was one of the best I heard last year. Hemisphere offer a blueprint for creativity with the use of old and new electronic elements to stimulate emotional response in the listener.