|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
review by Dene Bebbington Dutch musician Michiel Van Der Kuy (one half of the duo Laserdance) and Erro Verschoor have teamed up to release a debut album under the name Run 2. Being on the Neuronium label it's not surprising that Machinery of Life is a relaxing work, it has more to offer than just that though. Combining the chilloutness of Michel Huygen (Neuronium) with the symphonic and melodic grandeur of Vangelis it's a very pleasing album that seems to have an aspiration and vision to re-connect the listener with the wonder of life. Making up the album are twelve tracks of modest length (the longest is a little over seven minutes), each with their own identity but united by a common purpose. One hears sounds such as piano, violin, wordless vocals and choral effects, and flutes - which I believe are all performed on synths. Immediately captivating this listener is the opening title track "Machinery of Life", a sedately paced piano melody initially forms the main interest before being joined by violin style synths to create a eulogistic piece of music. A variety of styles are heard on subsequent tracks with the most common element being piano. Though the album is generally symphonic in nature there is the occasional upbeat rhythm, in "In Search of Identity" a dramatic start with drums, a synth sequence, and operatic male voices eventually gives way to a lighter mood of created by a synth melody and percussive rhythm; the dramatic sections on this piece are reminiscent of Vangelis. Run 2 also make especially good use of voices, on "Doubts and Fears" splendid female wordless voices deliver an uneasy melody while synths provide a haunting background. By the end I couldn't help feeling that the music on Machinery of Life is an ode to life, it conveys a sense of reverence and does that in a symphonic, sometimes neo-classical, manner. It's a classy work deserving of careful listening and praise. |
|