Synthetic Block - Synthetic Block

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Synthetic Block - Synthetic Block

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Jonathan Block records as Synthetic Block. Synthetic Block is also the title of his debut release. He combines sequences and atmospheres to create little pockets of energy. It is all very tidy and systematic. Block sets his compositions with right angles and exact circles. He puts square pegs in square holes and round pegs in round holes. The scientific approach, while it seems harsh, works well for Block. The atmospheres are gentle and warm. The soundscapes are friendly and inviting. This is a very nice debut. It will appeal to fans of Ron Boots, Dave Fulton, and Paul Ellis.

His style of electronic music involves dense melodies with slight percussive propulsion. For 68 minutes, Block takes the listener on a sonic journey into realms of synthetic sounds dedicated to sinuous tuneage. Keyboard threads wind with evolving riffs amid a cloud of counterparting tones. These clouds contain a hint of rhythmic presence, languid E-perc patterns that chitter at the edges of the melody. The heart of this music is the electronics though. Block mixes ambient tonalities with lively synthesizers, producing a strongly dramatic impression with his serpentine compositions. His blend of harsh and soft electronics generates a lush soundscape that plays to every emotional extreme. These compositions are quite refined, employing solid melodies that are rich with lavish appeal. Unhurried, but hardly longwinded, this music has a dynamic quotient that has a tendency to creep up from behind to snare the listener with its building intensity.