Foreign Spaces - 4 Albums (1995-2000)

×

Foreign Spaces - 4 Albums (1995-2000)

Close

Ufo Breakfast (1995). Foreign Spaces is Georg Reiter and Christian Feher. Recording in Germany, this duo produce an energetic electronic sound. No drifting ambience here, these tunes rock with pounding E-perc and urgent keyboard riffs. The music on this 42 minute CD from 1995 is broken into nine short pieces, each tune a tight space jaunt bringing the listener closer and closer to Earth. Although the song titles mostly deal with UFO visitations, the music drives the listener far beyond our atmosphere into unknown regions of space. Nimble-fingered keyboards deliver complex patterns and chords with high-energy content. E-perc rhythms propel the tuneage into rock territory with rollicking tempos that bestow a joyful benevolence to these extraterrestrial visitations. The sparseness of this music conveys an urgency that only enhances its danceable effect.

Dark Star (1997). This third Foreign Spaces album takes it's inspiration from John Carpenter's brilliant sci-fi film of the same name. This might explain the way that the band were by now incorporating what were, for them, at least new elements into the music. This is most noticeable on the 19 minute opener 'Dark Star Pt. l' which is a far more restrained, understated piece than the band usually turn out, there's even an extended abstract section half way through, although the closing section does resemble TD circa '82 (just weighting in at just 11 minutes and revolves around an acoustic guitar sample mixing with the massed synths). Only four short tracks this time, starting with a quirky little number in the form of 'Ning Nong' which reminded of the beach-ball like alien from 'Dark Star' (or a nutty children's TV show theme!) before 'Ancient Galleries', 'Cybermachine' and 'Andromeda Caravan' all get back onto the serious stuff. So, if you enjoyed the previous albums (and even the newer one!) you'll enjoy this right enough.

Phaeton (2000). Phaeton is three German gents, who skillfully blend about three-quarters classic Tangerine Dream with about one-quarter prog rock influence thrown in for good measure. At the heart of the CD are two long synth-driven passages, "Phaeton I" and "Phaeton II." Each has a variety of twists and turns, and although it is largely familiar territory from those who came before, it is well done. A very TD-like sequence and playful synth lead line opens "Phaeton I - Planet" for a few minutes, then some obligatory big synth chords come in for a bit, followed by a laid-back, dreamy passage. It is the mixture of these different themes, flowing smoothly into one another, which make this a step above the cookie-cutter approach of some Teutonic enthusiasts. Sandwiched between the lengthy parts of the title track are several shorter ones, ranging from melodramatic and majestic ("Blue Stream") to lighter, more subtle electronics ( "Silver Glider"). The 20-plus minute centerpiece is "Phaeton II - Lifeforms." Long, slow washes of synth pads make a beautiful beginning, giving way to a much more freeform style like classic Yes or other 70s prog. This is complex, deliberate music, not lengthy improvisations. Four shorter tracks round things out, ranging from the playful "Spheric Architecture" to the light, airy "Artificial Encounter." The low key, ever-so-slightly darker "White Sunset" makes for a nice change of pace before "Phaeton III - Utopia" ends things in more traditional synth style.

×

Foreign Spaces - 4 Albums (1995-2000)

Close

×

Foreign Spaces - 4 Albums (1995-2000)

Close

×

Foreign Spaces - 4 Albums (1995-2000)

Close

×

Foreign Spaces - 4 Albums (1995-2000)

Close