Review 1 "Another Strange Day on Gonxa"
With their new CD release (actually recorded a while back), WW has taken their surreal
ambient sonic style and amped it up with a mega dose of high-energy sequences and strong
melodic tone colors. The sound as always is stunning and the music literally overpowering
as the various tracks flow from one dynamic sonic creation to another.
Diverse melodies, rhythms and effects all create a mind blowing electronic trip.
Review 2 "Another Strange Day on Gonxa"
For a start completely re-think all your preconceptions of what Waveworld's music is like.
If you think this will be floating ambient music - think again! Nothing could be further from the truth.
Most of what we have here is very rhythmic and even the laid back bits are more melodic than the Waveworld
I am used to. In short it has caused me to re-appraise what they are about.
There were a few hints in the recent video release however that showed they
were certainly capable of cranking up the rhythms if they wanted.
Here is the proof that it has always been part of their repertoire.
Apparently when Waveworld were looking for a record label they had two albums
prepared - this one and the relaxed ambient album 'Species'. 'Species' was the one released,
this album not seeing the light of day until four years later.
I wonder if the Waveworld story would have been much different if this album was released first instead.
A bright exciting sequence spews its rapid pulsations from the speakers to your ears.
This is the title track and an excellent way to start the album it is too.
A more bass laden sequence moves into position increasing the energy level still further.
Its as if the track is about to boil over! A calmer slow lead line makes a nice contrast.
It then becomes meaner and its pace quickens to race the sequence- blistering stuff.
But wait- it gets even better as heavy rhythms shake the foundations.
Finally another awesome lead line even more stunning than the first makes a track that simply
couldn't be any better- better! Absolutely brilliant! 'Trip through the Umandjei Desert' has both sequence
and meandering lead line but its a powerful slightly dance orientated foot tapping rhythm that provides the track's main focus.
'The Plains of Narrdal' is a little more like the Waveworld I am used to- drifting atmospheric and highly descriptive.
A piano sequence does provide a little structure and there is a very nice lead line which comes in with a couple of
minutes to go but on the whole the track is much more subtle than most of the rest of the album.
'Trasyghu' is a remix of a track originally called 'Biosphere' by Gert van Santen.
It features additional performances and arrangements by non other than Klaus Schulze and Joerg Schaaf!
Its another high energy rhythmic number with the occasional vocal sample.
'The Forbidden Temple of Dev' starts with a lovely tinkling melodic sequence.
In the third minute high hat detail splashes over the top then a thick lead line is used.
To me it seemed a little out of place and slightly disjointed.
This isn't something which could be said for the heavy bass beat which then comes in however.
The track increases in pace and we start to thunder forwards again.
Another excellent flashing lead compliments the rhythm - this is more like it!
The beat then slows down and a crystalline tinkling sequences shimmers above the pads.
'In the Beginning there was Xyrrog....'.is fairly relaxed for the first three minutes then a sequence
is added reminding me a little of Robert Schroeder.
A slow rhythm rises to the surface turning the track into an extremely pleasant chugger.
It never breaks into a sweat but instead settles into a very satisfying groove.
The last few minutes revert to a relaxed but melodic state of float.
'A Day at the Flaroon Races Part 1' is quite a cosmic trip, a little metallic percussion providing
some detail but for the most part its a track consisting of 'breathy' drones.
The second part is a much more upbeat and commercial sounding affair.
Now what can I say of the final track 'The Moons above Laax' other than its a dance version of
'Tubular Bells'! Its rather powerful but also great fun (and extremely well done).
Its all rather tongue in cheek. It would make a fantastic encore! I must admit that before this
album I got the impression that Waveworld took themselves rather seriously.
I was wrong. They certainly have a very professional approach but their sense of humour
is more than evident here.
I thoroughly enjoyed this CD and have no doubt it will be a very big seller for Waveworld
which rather poses the question what will they do next? (DL)
