Mario Schoenwaelder - Close By My Distance -Remastered- (c) 2005 Syng
Artist....: Mario Schoenwaelder
Album.....: Close By My Distance
Type......: Album
Source....: CDDA
Tracks....: 09
Genre.....: Electronic
Label.....: Syngate
Catalogue#: CD-R 2053
Encoder...: LAME 3.97
Quality...: VBR kbps / 44.1KHz / Joint-Stereo
URL.......: http://www.downloadplatform.com/album.php?album=557&Mario+Schonwalder+Close+By+My+Distance
Tracklist:
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01 Let The Rhythm Comin' On You 04:10
02 Les Yeux Sans Visage 07:59
03 Sems U Kanar 10:56
04 The Point Of Impact 07:08
05 Memories Of Oz 13:33
06 Close By My Distance 12:57
07 Farewell From Heaven 05:02
08 Testsequence 06:13
09 Quiet Earth 03:53
Total:95,6 MB / 71:51 min
Release Notes:
--------------
Remastered Original 1992 CD by Gerd Wienekamp & Bonus Tracks
"Testsequence" (6:13) and "Quiet Earth" (3:53).
'Let the rhythm comin on you' opens with icy pads and vocal washes.
Very quickly a simple bass arpeggio builds alongside a more melodic and
mid- register sequence. A Schulzian lead, gloriously played on an
analogue flute sound with tons of vibrato, guarantees our attention.
Simple white noise percussion keeps the foot tapping. A second lead is
added, just a heavenly combination. After 4.30 mins the tempo is
dramatically raised and the soloing becomes more intense û I really
love Mario's soloing so this got the thumbs up from me! This is a great
opener.
Abstract effects and sparkling pads open Les Yeux Sans Visage' before
we get some very Vangelis-like filter swept sounds. Symphonic pads rise
alongside percussion flourishes. Mario allows himself to draw upon deep
emotions as he produces a yearning string melody û this is a very
heart-felt track, having a similar feel to some of Otarion's sombre
moments. Just lovely. The oddly titles 'Sems U Kanar' is up next and
the symphonic mood is continued with string pads and timpani rolls. At
the 1.55 min mark a heavy guitar solo is unleashed, courtesy of Harald
Gleisberg, alongside tom tom rolls and a simple three note sequence û
very dramatic! The guitar fades in volume, but remains, and a faintly
oriental sounding melody is added. Just time to add a note on the
production: the sounds are crisp, the effects perfectly matched to the
track û it's a beautiful sounding CD. The track locks into a groove and
continues.
'The point of impact' features some glorious sound design during its
abstract opening before a pair of dancing, bell-like sequences, creates
order. Halo pads flit across the sound stage. A stately, classical
feeling melody is played against heavenly choral pads û this is just
stunning! A second, more up- front sequence is added at the 4.10 min
mark. 'Memories of Oz' is slow-burning mid-tempo number, with
sequences, tron choirs and over-driven guitar. It's the first explicit
Berlin moment of the CD so far. Often I don't enjoy guitar with my EM,
but this player seems to feel the music well, and his 'licks' are
perfectly in tune with the electronics.
The title cut is up next and is split into three parts, although there
are, strangely, no index points: 'Close by my distance' 'Sortilege' and
'Chapter two'. Glorious pads and abstract effects rise and fall, a
vocal drone adding a touch of unease. Occasional analogue bass swells
punctuate the mix û this is highly visual, film theme-like EM. At the 4
min mark a pulsing bass sequence and simple percussion begin the
process of creating order. Mario rests his right hand above the synth
keys and a 'moogy' solo, slow and languid begins. More sequences are
added, the track is building nicely, but the solo continues un-checked
û just how I like them! The track is de-constructed over the closing
minutes but the solo remains to the end.
The original CD closed with 'Farewell from heaven'. The mood is
immediately in keeping with the title, relaxed and symphonic. And it
just continues to build in emotional intensity. A fitting close. But,
we get 2 bonus tracks on the SynGate CD-Reissue 2053. 'Test sequence'
is up first. A warm pad and bass pulse continue the stately atmosphere
of the previous track until a sequence builds in the 3rd minute it's a
simple mid-tempo and high register one. It's a simple track and has the
feel of a demo (or test?) really.
The set closes with 'Quiet earth'. Immediately a bass sequence is
deployed. Heavenly choirs rise fom the depths (yes, it's decidedly
Berlin in feel) and an exquisitely played analogue lead (oscillator
sync and vibrato added û for tech heads) is unleashed. The mood is
sombre and the track superb, although I think it doesn't quite fit this
CD stylistically û it feels closer to 'Concerts' really. Still, it's a
great track!
There's a lot to like about this CD. You get Mario's superb playing and
some stunning production. The tracks have elements of the Berlin school
as well as more 'filmic' EM. Well worth checking out. (WP)