Agitation Free - SHIBUYA NIGHTS ~ LIVE IN TOKYO (CD)
Music Sample <MaleschMP3>
Of all the German bands, Agitation Free was certainly one of the most musically adventurous. Thirty-five years after first disbanding, the band has reformed and in February 2007 performed LIVE in Tokyo. October 31, 2011 Esoteric records in the UK released an album of that concert and it truly is an Agitation Free “best of.” It features five tracks from their 1972 release Malesch and five from 2^nd (1973). It also includes three new compositions, plus “Nomads,” my favorite track from their 1999 reunion album, River of Return. Programmed perfectly, the track sequence creates a magical, mystical tour through those halcyon days when inspiration flowed freely, guitars and imaginative synthesizer soundscapes comingled to conjure up sonic panoramas of far-off imaginary lands.
The opening track “You Play for Us Today,” gets the album off to a running start with its deep, loping percussive beats underpinned by Gustl’s sizzling guitar and Michael’s synthesizer interplay. “Shibuya Nights” is a new composition that rattles your eardrums with Burghard's deep primal drumming. Lutz’s layered guitar twang and sustained notes literally ooze from the speakers, propelled by the heavy undulating rhythm. The whole thing underscored by Hoenig’s modal electronic textures. “Uhurwerk”, another new piece, is a nice exotic change of pace featuring dual Spanish and slide guitars by Gustl, one acoustic the other electric. Together, they intertwine weaving a sonic tapestry of delicate folk/jazz fusion that dances lightly over a nimble rhythm section. The album closer, “Rusksturz,” is pure prime-era Floydian power surge. A heavy, dramatic guitar piece, it again features Gustl’s sustained lead lines spiraling high over a dense, dramatic musical arrangement climaxing with crash-and-burn synthesizer/ guitar feedback. From the actual concert recording, to the album programming which flows organically from track to track, the result is musical perfection. This is one of those rare albums, which provides ample proof that music indeed can be a timeless. A great album deserves an encore so the band is planning a series of live concerts for 2011. Go to the bands web site for details!
For More INFO: AgitationFree

David Wright - IN SEARCH OF SILENCE (CD)
Music Sample <SanctuaryMP3>
David Wright released his first cassette entitled REFLECTIONS in 1989. It won praise from many around the world, among them Klaus Schulze music publisher Klaus D. Mueller. Following that, he released two other cassettes before forming his own record company, AD Music. An outstanding characteristic of David’s music is that he does more than simply create synthetic sounds. He composes dynamic compositions filled with melodic themes inhabited by evocative contrast between light and shade.
On his brand new album IN SEARCH OF SILENCE his 20 year journey in search of the lost cord has led him to the creation of an electronic masterpiece. from the album opener "Sanctuary" to it's closing reprise almost 80 minutes later the listener will experience t dynamic themes comprised of delicate melodies, lush undulating electronic waves of sound coupled with dense ambient soundscapes and powerful dramatic compositions. The impact is highly emotional as the music casts its spell and you become engulfed in the ebb and flow of of visceral sound  David has created. My highest recommendation to EM lovers everywhere.
For More INFO: ADMusiconline.com

Robert Schroeder - ESTHETIQUE (CD)
Music Sample <NeutronSwarmMP3>
Beginning in 1978 with his first album, the masterful HARMONIC ASCENDANT, released on Klaus Schulze I.C. label, Robert Schroeder has created some amazing albums which exemplify the best in German EM. Firstly under his own name, then Double Fantasy and Food For Fantasy, he explored various sounds and styles, only missing a few beats here and there. Now comes ESTHETIQUE 25 albums later, and amazingly his unique style sounds as fresh as it did all those many years ago. The music overflows with layers of fluid motion, melodic tone colors and melodies, diverse sequential undulations and exotic treatments of voice and guitar. The album is programmed superbly as well, alternating medium length tracks filled with entrancing melodic themes to extended deep space excursions into the listeners most inner cerebral spaces. EM has been overdone these days as everyone can push the buttons, create samples, mix with turntables. Making music" is something else, Schroeder illustrates that point conclusively,  ESTHETIQUE makes for addictive listening.
For More INFO: SphericMusic.de

Keller & Schonwalder - LONG DISTANCES (CD)
Music Sample <SeptemberMoodsMP3>
Manikin Records approaches its second decade of existence in 2012 and over that 20 year span Mario Schonwalder and friends have consistently released prime examples of the best second generation Berlin school EM. The labels production repertoire includes the incredible Klaus Schulze LTD EDITION box sets as well as introduction of new names on the scene - Rainbow Serpent, Electric Orange and Spyra to name but a few. Then there are the labels core electronic trio Broekhuis, Keller and Schonwalder & last but not least the duo, Keller & Schonwalder. Without exception the music Manikin has brought to the scene has been excellent.
That brings us to this end of 2011 release LONG DISTANCES by Keller & Schonwalder. If you want to hear music that conveys a feeling of pure rhythmic/ melodic electronic bliss this is it. There is no one on the scene today who creates such seamless layers of flowing melody, undulating waves of motion and shifting sequential currents like this duo. The three tracks here segue into one another effortlessly and over the course of the album run time conjure up a wondrous panorama of sonic imagery and emotional resonance. If the ambient setting is right when you listen literally you can envision in your minds eye things outside your normal life experience. This album has that power - to transport you outside current space and time for almost 75 minutes. Word is that the duo may play select dates in the USA in Spring 2012. Let's hope so as that would be a real treat.
For More INFO: Manikin.de

Mazmoneth - MUSIC BY MIRRORS (CD)
Music Sample <DiabloMP3>
The brand new DiN release by Mazmoneth is a stunning amalgam of pure electronic melodies, guitars, percussion and exotic atmospherics. The duo comprised of Nigel Mullaney (remember Dub Atomica) and Ray Sherman, an experienced production music composer, have created on their new album a seamless sonic landscape.
Previously the two had worked together in the 90's experimental band Best Before, who released one album, BEST BEFORE THE END OF THE WORLD. It was characterized by infectious mix beats, melodies and hints of the occult world.
Their Din debut, MUSIC BY MIRRORS, is a whole different animal.  It is EM inhabited by shape shifting undulations and technicolor audio architecture that literally carries your imagination away, They have created here music for the mind and body filled with synthetic layers of sound, dense effectual textures and propulsive rhythms. Tracks like "Oil on Water", "Spooks", "Smoke and Mirrors", "End Game" and the pulsing/ ambient tone poem "Perfect Absolution" with its various sonic transfigurations is emblematic of virtually the entire electronic music genre . Sample "Diablo" above, I think you'll be "hooked"!
For More INFO: DIN.org.uk

Robert Rich - MEDICINE BOX (CD)
Music Sample <AlbaMP3>
Of all the American electronic artists Robert Rich has a CV that is incomparable. From his music studies at Stanford University, to early 80's sleep concert experiments, 7 hour DVD SOMNIUM, collaborations with other name US and International artists, "electron-rock" band Amoeba and catalog of 30 some releases over the same number of years he has pioneered his own genre as well as explored many others producing provocative music.
MEDICINE BOX just may be his most rewarding album in terms of pure listening pleasure as this time he's taken a holistic approach and come up with a wide variety of musical results as well as new sonic intonations. It features a vast array of instruments and his ability to play them enables him to be an electronic Renaissance man of sorts. Along with synths, he plays steel guitars, piano, bass, winds and percussion, augmented by guests on gong, cello, reeds, voice and chromatic harmonica. Tracks the likes of "Kaaruwana", "Cornea" "Callyx", "Salamander Quay" & "Helios" employ sustained guitar, sparse piano tinkle, African rhythms and psychedelic tinges incorporating incredible range into his sonic palate. Uniformly the compositions and playing are excellent. Listen to "Alba" and be enticed...
For More INFO: RobertRich.com

Remy - THE GREAT CHURCH TRILOGY (CD)
Music Sample <OvertureMP3>
In a little over 10 years on the scene, Remy has certainly become the most diverse and adventurous synthesist on the Dutch scene. His new album THE GREAT CHURCH TRILOGY is in my opinion his best work to date, and one of the best EM albums coming from the Euro scene the past couple years. Every November since 2007 Remy has performed live at the "Grote of Saint Bavokerk" in Haarlem. This album compiles recordings from those concerts and the musical result is deeply emotional and transcendent. Using both the church pipe organ and electronics he mixes liturgical themes, spatial electronic soundscapes and variable of sequences to achieve stunning impact. At times the atmosphere created musically conjures up visions of the European Middle Ages, then effortlessly shifts to modern hyper-powered wall of sound layers of synthetics. Rich thematic melodies and arrangements are contrasted with ambient tone poems filled with dense undercurrents and ethereal spacescapes. Remy doesn't "play with" electronic equipment, but composes excellent music. To a great extent describing his music falls short of conveying the essence of what he achieves in the making of it. You have to listen to truly experience and appreciate it.
For More INFO: DesertedIslandMusic.nl

Yochk'o Seffer - NEFFESH MUSIC ~ NOCE CHIMIQUE (CD)
Music Sample <NoceChimiqueMP3>
I first met Yochk'o Seffer in Giorgio Gomelsky's culture-house, mid 1970's, rehearsing in the basement for the ZU MANIFESTIVAL. Up close and personal it was a musical revelation.
Yochk'o has a long recorded history beginning with the albums of his first band Perception, followed by Magma's 1001 DEGREES CENTIGRADE, after which he and Magma keyboardist Francois "Faton" Cahen went off to from ZAO. Together that band produced 4 of the greatest French avant-fusion records of all time, Z=7L, OSIRIS, SHEKINA and KAWANA. The seeds of his next music project, Neffesh Music, were planted in that third album, which featured the Margand String Quartet. Those original mid 1990's Neffesh Music albums - IMA, ADAMA and GHILGOUL, feature the most stunning chamber-jazz you'll ever hear. Over the years Yochk'o has continued recording numerous other collaborations, including ETHNIC DUO & ETHNIC 3 LIVE with former ZAO partner Cahen, the stunning 3 CD series entitled YOG + various solo albums and gallery showings of his fantastic art work.
In 2008, he reformed Neffesh Music and released EZZ-THETICS. Now comes NOCE CHIMIQUE, which is at least the equal of musically, if not superior to, all that has come before it. Quatuor Margand and various long time musical companions of Yochk'o's are here present all playing up a storm. The music, a combination of powerful, ensemble playing, exotic string arrangements and Yochk'o's exotic wind instruments played with intensity and emotion on tracks like "Kalapoch-Tanz", "Mazal", & "Orkana", will leave you dizzy with listening pleasure. The sample above demonstrates his musical mastery of craft beautifully.
For More INFO: MuseaRecords.com

Hans-Joachim Roedelius & The Fratelli Brothers - REVERSO (CD)
Music Sample <AloisMP3>
I remember well the Cluster US Tour 1996, their performance in PDX was amazing. Also our pancake breakfast the morning after. At the small place we ate you can order either a "half acre" or "full acre". Joachim said he could eat as many pancakes as were put in front of him and chose the full acre. I'll not forget the look in his eyes when breakfast arrived w/ two giant pancakes overflowing the plate. Also his laugh as we bid fond farewell, his leftovers in hand.
As an artist and man, Roedelius in my experience stands apart from all others in German modern music history. In a way his wonderful, adventurous music mirrors him personally, perfectly. He has played a part in pioneering industrial, ambient, motorik and exotic electronic music. Under his own name, or Kluster, Cluster, Harmonia, Qluster, call it what you may, he has created more high quality music than virtually any other composer of his time. REVERSO may be his first ever soundtrack (if my memory serves me well). Working with UK soundtrack artists the Fratelli Brothers, original sessions for a television documentary have here been transformed into perhaps his most exotic and enchanting musical landscape to date. It's like an aural dreamtime experience filled with shimmering ambient soundscapes inhabited by piano, guitar treatments, feedback and strange synthetic spirits, all of which combine into one beautiful, haunted and haunting musical experience. Listening will have you conjuring up strange visions of grooving in galactic nightclubs, being enchanted by celestial night time vistas and spaced out by the albums overall feeling of quark, strangeness and musical charm. He's made many great albums, but this one to me stands out.
For More INFO: Amazon.com + MuseaRecords.com

Pascal Comelade - FALL OF SAIGON (CD)
Music Sample <TheEndMP3>
Pascal Comelade began his recording career with a bang. His first 5 releases - FLUENCE, SEQUENCES PAIENNES, PARALELO, READY-MADE & SLOW MUSIC (2 LPs, 2 Eps + Cassette) released between 1975 & 1981 remain today some of the best artifacts from the beginnings of French electronica. LTD EDITIONS all, they were some of the very first records only distributed outside of France by Eurock in its early days. SLOW MUSIC in fact was released by Eurock and marked a change in his style somewhat. It began his music period of experimenting more with toy instruments incorporated into a neo-chamber music style. There was one exception however, a 1982 12" Ep entitled FALL OF SAIGON, released by the ATEM Label shortly before its demise. An experiment in electronic rock minimalism, it was a fusion of sorts of the NYC style pioneering duo Suicide, gene spliced with a stripped down Velvet Underground vibe done electronica style. This CD contains the 6 original tracks from that Ep + 7 additional bonus tracks and demonstrates just how unique the music FoS made was for that time and in some sense still is. The overall sound features the laconic vocals of femme fatale Florence Berthon, Comelade on organ and Terry Den guitar and rhythm machine. To my ears it sonically conjures up visions of a small club in Paris filled with bohos, all digging the cool new sound of some artsy beatnik trio fronted by a golden haired siren songstress intoning cool, hip poetry. Get the picture... Listen to the above sample excerpt from their unique cover version of a classic, "The End".
For More INFO: MuseaRecords.com

Video Aventures - OSCILLATIONS (CD)
Music Sample <LeGourdMP3>
Video-Aventures was an outgrowth of the creative energies of one Dominique Grimaud. He began his musical career as guitarist for the legendary French band Camizole (1970-78). He also published 2 quintessential journals covering 'le souterrain Français musical" (French Underground music) and was a member of the creative coalition Collectif Dupon et ses Fantômes. The Journals, entitled Un Certain Rock (?) Français, were published in 1978 &  1979 - le Volume 1 (1968-72) et le Volume 2 (1972-74). In 2008, those along with additional material, were published again as a book, L'underground Musical un France.
Video-Aventures was a musical project he realized in 1979, firstly as a 10" Ep VIDEO-AVENTURES Music for Boys and Girls, followed in 1984 by a full length LP, CAMERA (In Focus). Dominique and his partner Monique Alba were joined on those recordings by various French luminaries including Gilbert Artman (Lard Free/ Urban Sax), Jean-Pierre Grasset (Verto), Gigou Chenevier (Etron Fou) and guitarist Cyrille Lefebvre. The music was eccentric, experimental and filled with French humor, exotic guitar, synthe and voice. The compositions were a musical pastiche that exemplified the incredible free creative spirit and experimentation that was inhabiting the French music scene during the late 1970s- early 80s. OSCILLATIONS, is a 2011 release featuring 17 tracks recorded between 1979-1984, basic keyboard and synthesizer tracks creating diverse musical sketches, combined to create one long rippling, bubbling electronic soundtrack. Points of reference perhaps might be some of CON's very early more sequential experiments, or German duo Sesselberg . Video-Aventures however is much more quirky and lively, with an unmistakable French flair and minimalist melodies that contain no trace of Teutonic sturm und drang angst. It's very trippy, a cool blast of burgling, bubbling synthesizer, quite unlike all the other derivative EM being made today.
For More INFO: MuseaRecords.com

Fractale - SURANNE (CD)
Music Sample <PartieVMP3>
Julian Julien is one of today's top French jazz musicians on the scene today. Saxophonist, composer extraordinaire, he placed first receiving the Silver Medal at the CNR in Paris. He played in several big bands before self-producing his first album, TUPPERWARE ET BIBELOT in 1999. That was followed by the excellent TERRE in 2000 for the Prikosnonevie label, then STRANGE for Cristal Records in 2006. After that he formed a new band called Fractale and recorded this Live album, SURANNÉ. Fractale is a septet composed of 3 saxophones, 2 trumpets, a tuba and drums. The music they make owes a slight debt to the pioneering Zeuhl movement. The music is propelled by deep bass lines, powerful ensemble melodies and fiery solos, but also contains deep soulful moments and subtle touches as well that gives the overall listening experience a much more diverse impact stylistically.  If you long for the good old days of French fusion when the scene overflowed with experimental jazz rock then Fractal will be a real treat. Julian has a new music project for Japan in the works. Based on samples I've heard it should add a brand new dimension to his recorded catalog.
For More INFO: JulianJulien.com

Awenson - WIZARD (CD)
Music Sample <PsychedelicDreamM3U>
Joel Bernard, aka Awenson, is a newcomer on the International EM scene. SHADOWS, his first album, marked the beginnings of his exploration of style. With his latest 2010 release, WIZARD, he has begun to forge his own musical identity. Certainly there are influences from Euro masters Klaus Schulze, Tangerine Dream & Jean-Michel Jarre, but on the two long tracks which make up the album it's certainly more a case of style, not musical substance. "Hypnotic Ways" is a 30+ minute evolutionary electronic soundscape of undulating rhythms and flowing melodies that effortlessly unfolds musically as the intensity rises and rhythmic dynamics shift gear. The track title perfectly conveys the musical effect on you when listening. Track two, "Psychedelic Dream", is where Awenson delivers the goods and conjures up almost 41 minutes of pure cosmic music bliss. A powerful sonic sculpture, it's composed of multi-layers of synthesizer, underscored by pulsing sequences filled with soaring celestial melodies. Over its full length, tempos shift and layers of synthesizer overlap one another causing an aurora borealis of pulsating, dynamic tone colors which build to a musical climax that will blow you away. None of the aforementioned masters have done anything like this for years. If you are longing for classic EM this album offers just that.
For More INFO: MuseaRecords.com

BowWow - XXXV YEARS OF MAXIMUM H.R. (4 CDs + DVD)
Music Sample <JamesinMyCasketMP3>
Watch <RiverofTimeLive2011MP3>
Bow Wow was the ultimate Hard Rock guitar band! Back in the late 1970s when I was down in LA at Greenworld Imports Ltd. we could not not keep their albums in stock. The band was formed in 1975 by guitarists Kyoji Yamamoto and Mitsuhiro Saito. The original band in their classic era, up until 1983 when Saito left, was the ultimate guitar shedding outfit. They changed their name to Vow Wow at that time and continued until 1990 doing slightly more commercial hard pop music. In 1995, original guitarist Kyoji Yamamoto reformed the band with all new members and since then has also done occasional reunion concerts with both original bands while continuing to perform with the new Bow Wow.
So much for history, this box set is comprised of 3 full length CDs, a CD-Ep + Live Concert DVD from 1981-82, compiling some of the original bands mega-voltage guitar and high energy compositions. Lead guitarist Kyoji is simply amazing. In my estimation he ranks up there with the top guitar gods of all time. His fluid melody lines and manipulation of feedback along with pure unadulterated bending and shredding of lead lines is jaw dropping. Back then and still now he can make you dizzy with the way he effortlessly shifts gear in a solo. Bow Wow sold back then for good reason, their sound was archetypal and compositions classic examples of the heavy rock genre. While that style of music is no longer as fashionable today as before, the music in this box set will blow you away. Also check out here as well this recent beautiful clip of Kyoji playing Live solo.

Moebius - DING (CD)
Music Sample <BoneMP3>
When word reached me that the pioneering German duo electronic Cluster had called it a day I felt a sense of loss. Since the beginning I had followed their music and always considered it among the very best of the "Teutonic Electronic" musical experiments. With each new album Roedelius' lilting melodies and Moebius' sonic alchemy fused in ways previously unknown, offering wonderful new tone colors, squeaks, squawks and endless listening pleasure. In 1996 they played in PDX and our morning after pancake breakfast overdose was a fun time. There is good news however, the duo has not stopped making music and first evidence of that is Mobi's brand new solo album DING. If ever you've craved diving head first into the depths of electronic quark, strangeness and charm then this album is offers you just that. There are melodies created, modified and mutated into soundscapes injected with drip drops, white noise,  static and electronica that no one else has ever done in just this way. It's all comingled into a concoction of sonic exotica that will leave you dizzy, head spinning in delight, as the various tracks travel from ear to ear clearing the cobwebs out. Take a listen...
For More INFO: Klangbad.de + DieterMoebius.de

Jeffrey Koepper - ARCTISONIA (CD)
Music Sample <IceFlowMP3>
This is the 7th album since 2003 that Jeffrey Koepper has produced and it encapsulates all he has done into one stunning musical package. From his earliest ETHEREA, an ambient opus of sublime majestic beauty, to SEQUENTARIA that sequential rattled the walls with its multi-timbered sequences and his Live recording RADIATE, which did just that in terms of melody and movement, Jeffrey has done it all very well. Now, ARTISONIA combines it all into one multi-sonic electronic wonderland of tracks. The opener, "Arctic Sunrise", is a shimmering hymn to the dawn of day,  "Ilulissat" and "Snow Sequence" quicken the pulse with their melody and running sequences, "Glacial" and "Greenland" are impressionist soundscapes extraordinaire, filled with their diverse yet complementary undulating layers of melody and ambient tone colors. I'll leave "Avalanche" to your imagination and let you sample the albums other track sampled here for yourself. At this stage I'd have to say Jeffrey is the best America EM artist going. He creates, produces and performs all of the music himself, and his originality clearly shows!
For More INFO: JeffreyKoepper.com

Eblen Macari Ensemble - DE BEIRUT A COSAMALOAPAN (CD)
Music Sample <CosomaloapanMP3>
Back in the late 1970s and '80s Mexico exploded with an original experimental and progressive music scene. Bands like Chac Mool, Carlos Alvarado's Via Lactea, Decibel, Flught, Nazca, Arturo Meza, Jorge Reyes, Oxomaxoma, Voldarepet, Tribu, Iocnoclasta, Banda Elastica and many others created music that ranged from ethnic tribalism to symphonic, neo-chamber RIO experimentalism and jazz-rock fusion. Today the scene continues even though many of the artists have faded from the scene. One of the very first musicians I head back then was Eblen Macari whose talents knew no boundaries. So when Bernard of Musea in France sent me his brand new album that they are distributing I was thrilled. A more musical treat you will not hear than DE BEIRUT A COSAMALOAPAN, which features Eblen new music ensemble. The musical style is an intricate fusion of genres, from jazz, to folk and ethnic, filled with electric and acoustic guitars, winds (Duduk & Ney to name a few), percussives (Darbuka, Djembe, Bodhran, a/o) and Clavecin. A virtual sonic tapestry of incredibly intricate arrangements and instrumental playing the tracks effortlessly merge into one another. The music turning into a whirlwind ride on a magic carpet of exotic tone colors and thematic arrangements that will completely carry you away. Viva Mexico!
For More INFO: AzafranMedia.com + MuseaRecords.com

Karda Estra - NEW WORLDS (CD)
Music Sample <TransmissionsMP3>
Richard Wileman is one of those largely unsung artists who has released great music for going on 20 years across the pond in the UK while garnering scant attention. While far lesser musicians have gotten raves and become successful, it seems over there if you don't have some gimmick or pander to the latest fad you are consigned to the margins permanently. I hesitate to say his new (15th) production, Karda Estra's NEW WORLDS might change that, but a collaborative cast of Dan Falcone  Bridget Wishart, Stu Rowe and Kavus Torabi (all who are in wider known, excellent bands) ups the street-cred quotient this time out. If you've not heard Richard's very special neo-symphonic chamber-style guitar compositions yet, this album is a must! The 12 tracks here encapsulate his musical style and sound beautifully. The lead as always is played by his acoustic/ electric guitar and keyboards. When you add arrangements featuring winds by band mates Ileesha Bailey and Amy Hedges, complemented by the various winds, strings, synthesizer and percussives played by others, you get a sound that goes from delicate micro-ensemble to dynamic modern instrumental with breathtaking ease. In some sense words fail to convey how great this music is. Take a listen to the sample above, then download the whole album from the links below.
For More INFO: KardaEstra.co.uk
Free 256k mp3 download at Gimmesound
www.gimmesound.com/kardaestra/index.cfm
Pay What You Want (Min. £1) 320k mp3, or lossless format downloads at Bandcamp
www.kardaestra.bandcamp.com

17 Pygmies -  CELESTINA (CD)
Music Sample <CelestinaVIIMP3>
17 Pygmies - CII:SECOND SON (CD)
Music Sample <CelestinaXVMP3>
I received these two albums by 17 Pygmies and upon listening was floored at their originality. Together they form a "concept" work that is described as: a doomed space flight by astronauts high on pure oxygen into the gassy nebulae of Cassiopeia...based on the 15th Century Latin Novella, La Celestina...influenced by the likes of A SAUCERFUL OF SECRETS, SPACE ODDITY, King Crimson, This Mortal Coil and Bernard Hermann... Formed in 1982, the band released their debut, JEDDA BY THE SEA in 1984...their new work due out soon is entitled THE OUTLAW J.D. RAY. If all this sounds "unique", so is the packaging as the CDs are packaged in foil pressed fold open sleeves.
Now to the music on CELESTINA & CII: SECOND SON.  Call it art rock, symphonic, ambient, experimental, absolutely gorgeous and intoxicating. Mainly instrumental, the music on both albums is an alchemy of guitars, keyboards, assorted exotica and at times haunting incantations which truly do impressionistically transform the essence of the 15th Century into a symphony of cutting edge, cerebral, space-pop. The second album includes a libretto which contains the concepts inspiration, the "Celestina Short Story". Listen to the sample excerpts and be encouraged to discover more. The bands 30th anniversary is 2012. These two albums make for very cool listening, not to be missed! Be adventurous, you will be rewarded...
For More: SonicBids.com + INFO@Trakwerx.com

['Ramp] - STEEL AND STEAM (CD)
Music Sample <SteelandSteam4MP3>
'Ramp is the electronic nom-de-plume of Stephan Parsick who has produced 7 albums under that group name, as well as 2 solo albums and 7 other LTD Edition doombient soundscape recordings. A listen to them all offers you the full sonic spectrum of Teutonic Electronica. STEEL AND STEAM is his more recent 'Ramp, industrial "doombient" work. This time out he is joined by UK EM superstar Mark Shreeve of Redshift. The result is nothing short of astounding and mind-bending in the use of sequential rhythms accompanied by seismic synthetic eruptions of megawatt intensity. The albums first 5 tracks feature Parsick alone creating dense layers of drones, mixed with deep pulsations that are all engulfing, drawing you into his multi-layered compositional constructs. Mid album the energy level shifts to industrial levels of pounding, propulsive sequencer and synth percussion injected with intense static explosions of white noise and searing high end frequencies. The high energy "strum und drang" is all underscored by dense flowing ambient melodies. You best watch your speakers (or headspace if listening on ear apparatus) as complete blowout is certainly within the realm of possibility if volume is not monitored. This album is a milestone in dark sonic ambience and should be sought out by all lovers of hard core EM.
For More INFO: Parsick.com

Remy - I~DENTITY (CD)
Music Sample <DestinationBerlin1MP3>
Remy is a synth "wunderkind", relatively young at 32 y/o in comparison to most of the second generation EM veterans. His albums so far have been not just refreshingly different from typical EM fare, but also overflowing with multi-dimensional compositional constructs musically. I~DENTITY is another step forward for him as the 4 tracks that comprise the album contain a kaleidoscope of styles melodies & sonic embellishments that will constantly surprise the listener at every compositional twist and turn. Three of the tracks are 20 minutes plus and comprise a virtual wall of synthetic sound. They feature multiple sequencers programmed in different timbres and tempos, divergent electronic undulations and pulsations, surreal spatial backdrops with powerful rhythms ranging from Berlin School to trance and techno. Especially amazing is the extended 20:34 minute track "Destination Berlin Pt.2" with its Floydian guitar passages by American Bill Fox. If that sounds like overload, fear not, it all harmoniously congeals into one alchemical sonic creation that will have you shaking your head in wonder as it travels from ear to ear.
For More INFO: DesertedIslandMusic.nl

Moonbooter - COSMOLOGICA (CD)
Music Sample <UnragedMP3>
Video <NewHopeLiveMix2010>
Moonbooter is a musical project conceived by Bernd Scholl, the guiding light behind the German MellowJet EM label which is one of the best German EM labels of the day. Harald Grosskopf and Bernd Kistenmacher are a couple long time Eurock favorites now on the MellowJet label whose latest releases are also reviewed here. Moonbooter's new album, COSMOLOGICA, is an excellent, non-stop total listening pleasure. The music is strong on rich melodic themes, laced with classic cosmic synth flourishes and diverse sequential tempos. The tracks flow organically from one to another creating a tapestry of vibrant tone colors and shifting tempos and melodic hooks enriching the dynamic electronic musical currents. Hints of the classic Berlin School sound are present, mixed in nicely with contemporary electronica and dramatic symphonic movements as well. The sum total of all the parts makes for captivating and evocative listening that you'll play over and over again.
For More INFO: MellowJetDE