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review by Mark Morton Cosmic Flight Number 3 is a "Berlin" school influenced recording, drawing on '70s and '80s Tangerine Dream and Klaus Schulze with an occasional nod to other influences. The sound design on the pieces was carefully chosen and the recording quality is excellent throughout. The sequences are punchy, bubbly or languid where appropriate. All of the pieces feature the artist's recognizable melodic style and sound design so that one is aware that one is listening to original expression that is attempting to fuse various classic styles. The melodies lean toward pleasant, optimistic sounds and are well-executed. I enjoyed this release and think that folks who enjoyed the sunny side of the Berlin school [circa]1975-86 will enjoy this as well. The recording begins with "Take Off Number 3." a minor-key string pad over nice vocoder influenced effects. A nice bass line sequence moves this brief introductory piece to its conclusion, giving hints of what is to come. "On The Third Day" begins with a familiar sounding chord progression that acts as a looping scaffold for some nice melodic improvisation. The sound design on display here is particularly nice, sounding very clear and full. The overall mood of the piece produces a relaxed and happy feel. "Cosmic Flight #3" follows with a nice bouncy '70s-type interlocking sequence that interacts with a wah-wah guitar/organ sound. Light percussion is added. The opening pieces are the closest on the recording to the '70s-type Berlin sound. "Triode" follows and this piece evokes the spirit of Ray Lynch's Deep Breakfast with its "bubbly" sequences and clear melodies and basses. The sounds are quite thick and very pretty. Thematic construction of the piece contrasts the "bubbly" sounds with noble anthems quite well. Sumptuous sounding orchestral textures are gradually built up over the piece quite naturally. "Rule of Threes" starts out quite differently with piano sounds noodling over a light background., more reminiscent of mid '80s Tangerine Dream than the other styles presented. The piece gradually builds on a sequence that begins to percolate and there are some guitar solo sounds that add to the mix. The piece becomes more lively as sequences are built under the slow melodies. The contrast of the slow melodies with the sequential activity is creative and holds the listener's interest. "Tritonic Waves" begins with some solo sounds that that introduce a busy sequence. Once again, the artist creates some lush synth textures to accompany the various sequences. This piece was pleasant, but needed more variety or different techniques to rise above that, in my opinion. "3rd Life" was recorded live with the aid of two other synthesists and begins as a pleasant little series of melodies before morphing into a tour de force demonstration of what can be done with a keyboard arpeggiator. This was a very enjoyable track because it had the twin virtues of solid construction and spontaneous interaction. "Trilogic Trilogy" ends the recording with some gentle, breezy, melodies and quiet sounds that gradually become anthemic and bright. A nice, uplifted mood is created. This recording was enjoyable and well-executed and is sure to be enjoyed by many. While little new ground is broken, the artist demonstrates how much can be expressed if a familiar series of styles are integrated and well executed. |
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