Van Zyl - The Relic

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Van Zyl - The Relic

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Advertised as "the companion to Celestial Mechanics and the bridge to Regeneration Mode", this double CD certainly whets the appetite with classic cosmic packaging courtesy of Jon Hoad. With eight tracks on show, all but one in the 18-20 minute bracket, there's plenty of music on offer and the opening 'Europa' dispels any thoughts that this may be a long and drawn out slog. 'Europa' is quite simply outstanding with epic synth timbres which characterise the subject matter perfectly. 'Ganymede' opens with classic other-worldly drones before a sequence is introduced at 4 minutes. Synth themes infiltrate the sequence creating a dense collage of sound before the closing section. The violent nature of 'Io' is captured perfectly during the opening of the next track. A pulsing sequence is aired for a short while around the 10 minute mark and yet more superb refrains close the track. CD1 closes with 'Beyond the Known Horizon', another excellent offworld experience. Those looking for a dramatic change of emphasis will not find it on CD2. It's very much a case of more of the same and fans of this music won't be complaining at all after 4 more journeys through the cosmos. The powerful sequencing on the title track is particularly good, and 'Regio Galileo' is notable for the presence of drums with the sequence giving the music a more "modern" feel, but in the end the music isn't about highlights or surprises. This is music for relaxation and exploration. To this end the album is nigh on perfect. Those who marvelled at 'Celestial Mechanics' should prepare for take off immediately.