Gert Emmens - A Boy's World (c) 2007 Groove Unlimited
Artist....: Gert Emmens
Album.....: A Boy's World
Type......: Album
Source....: CDDA
Tracks....: 06
Genre.....: Ambient
Label.....: Groove Unlimited
Catalogue#: GR-143
Encoder...: LAME 3.97
Quality...: VBR kbps / 44.1KHz / Joint-Stereo
URL.......: http://www.discogs.com/release/989132
Tracklist:
----------
01 School's Out 10:43
02 Gaming Part 1- Battles Are Won And Lost 21:28
03 Life Around The Sand Castle 09:58
04 Gaming Part 2- The Quest 20:34
05 Adolescent Behaviour 10:50
06 Nothing Lasts Forever (For Mom, In Memoriam) 05:29
Total:114,9 MB/ 79:02 min
Release Notes:
--------------
'School's Out' is all rather shimmering and dreamy, even when a playful
sequence bubbles to the surface. Things become more syncopated but
there is still an airy carefree feel to it all emphasised by wistful
little melodies. 'Gaming Part 1' has a radically different feel, much
more like something from an Emmens / Heij album. An aggressive rhythm
packs quite a punch then a rapid very 70s sounding sequence thunders
above it all morphing wonderfully, creating a high level of excitement.
Lovely thick, menacing, analogue sounding melodic motifs are tempered
by softer synth washes. The sequence takes on a more positive feel
without losing any of its blistering power. As the track progresses a
softer feel is developed but with that wonderful sequence remaining as
its backbone until about the thirteen-minute mark where we descend to a
faintly aquatic sounding tranquil montage of sounds. Another excellent
sequence emerges as excitement builds once more, with just a hint of
menace shimmering from the backing pads. Rhythms strike up and are soon
joined by a jaunty lead which takes us to the end.
'Life around the Sand Castle' is a lovely relaxed piece where two
sequences bubble along nicely whilst soft, soothing, faintly melodic
pads float through the ether. After the half way mark a strident,
almost funky, lead line creates a rather sunny Sunday afternoon feel
which contrasts markedly with the melancholy tron based finish. . A
rapid sequence emerges out of gorgeous soft pads as 'Gaming Part 2'
gets underway. Things become more syncopated, contrasted by dreamy
melodies creating a rather laidback feel. As with 'Part One' we get an
interlude of floating pads from which a fresh sequence emerges followed
by a second. Even though the interweaving pulsations are quite complex,
playful even, the pace remains sedate right until the end. 'Adolescant
Behaviour' starts quite darkly with low rumbling bass pads. Flutey
synth mixes with a brooding sequence. Things become gradually more
rhythmic with washes of mellotron being heard in the background.
Faintly melodic washes of synth add a feeling of wonder as the drums
become more forceful. This energetic feeling juxtapositions questing
melodies full of intrigue and wonder which become more strident and
confident as we get closer to the end.
'Nothing Lasts Forever' uses a really lovely sequence as its backbone.
It has a much more positive feeling than the title might suggest,
rhythms and surging melodies mixing together to give a bright, breezy
atmosphere. There might be a touch of melancholy there but to me it
seemed that we were looking forward rather than regretting the past.
Even though this album does have its powerful moments it is overall one
of Gert's more relaxed, even whimsical outings. (DL)
-smd