Ashok Prema - Stranger In A Strange Land (c) 1997 Champagne Lake Pro
Artist....: Ashok Prema
Album.....: Stranger In A Strange Land
Type......: Album
Source....: CDDA
Tracks....: 08
Genre.....: Ambient
Label.....: Champagne Lake Productions
Catalogue#: CLPCD 009
Encoder...: LAME 3.97
Quality...: VBR kbps / 44.1KHz / Joint-Stereo
URL.......: http://www.discogs.com/release/1113069
Tracklist:
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01 Unicorn 05:03
02 Searcher Of Souls 06:38
03 Dancing Dust 07:35
04 Triangle Of Succession 05:38
05 Artist's Palette At Wai-O-Tapu 06:58
06 Letters From Here And There 04:50
07 Messenger Of Malicious Truths 08:58
08 To Turn And Turn 05:03
Total:67,8 MB / 50:43 min
Release Notes:
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Stranger in a Strange Land is a gem of an album. Wavestar style
sequencing, Dysonesque melodics, and Ashok's own unique style make this
a must have for fans of classic style EM.
The album is also notable for containing arguably Ashok's finest piece,
the sensational ôclassicö sequence based Unicorn.
Ashok's previous release Of Times & Places was a bright uptempo
offering which he described as East 'n Synth. After a couple of minutes
of his latest album I fully expected more in the same vein but suddenly
2 minutes into the opening track æUnicornÆ a sensational classic
sequence bursts onto the scene backed superbly by tabla percussion. It
fades after a few minutes then returns for a brief reprise - and all
this packed into a smidgen under 5 minutes.
It's an opening which I didn't expect and now I'm fascinated to hear
what comes next. Searcher of Souls opens with foreboding chords then
breaks into a soulful motif. Excellent sequencing then re-emerges
accompanied by a poised melody which fits the rhythm perfectly. The
sequences constantly ebb and flow as complimentary themes weave a
skilful thread. At the five minute mark guitar also emerges from the
mists - again this track really does pack in the content and style.
"Dancing Dust" opens with syncopating effects which then lead to a
plucked guitar theme very reminiscent of John Dyson. The approach is
measured rather than powerful and again the piece twists and turns
until another delightful sequence emerges at the 5 minute mark.
"Triangular Succession" combines a heavy drum beat and various synth
lines to create a very unusual piece. Equally unusual is the title of
track 5 - æArtists Palette at Wai O TapuÆ. The opening refrains are
symphonic in nature, somewhat reminiscent of Tomita in places. Enter a
short burst of vocal effects closely followed by pulsing sequences and
again we have a top notch outing. The rhythmics are superbly judged and
there are some choice melodics on show too. "Letters from Here and
There" opens brightly and, yes youÆve guessed it, another storming
sequence then hits home - and what a corker, possibly the best so far
as it follows the melodics in classic fashion. "Messenger of Malicious
Truths" is yet another superb outing, airing measured themes before
strange effects and echoed guitar take centre stage.
Finally we have "To Turn and Turn" and yet again Ashok Prema produces a
magnificent slab of pulsing electronics and beguiling themes - and do I
detect a sniff of Kraftwerk in there? This is a gem of an album.
Wavestar style sequencing, Dysonesque melodics, and Ashok's own unique
style. Highly recommended. (GG)