Description

Remy - DisConnected

Reviews

Disconnected is a perfect disc for those who are yearning for a recording that takes as its prime inspiration the solo works of Edgar Froese and early Klaus Schulze, with a smattering of Mike Oldfield and Vangelis thrown in. Remy uses a variety of vintage and contemporary synths to produce a vintage sound with a few modern elements thrown in as a light seasoning. The result is an enjoyable trip to Berlin school land which, while it does not break much new ground, may be just the tonic Froese and Schulze fans need to reinvigorate their collections.
"Ego Trip" begins with a punchy sequence, bell-like and sounding very cheery, like vintage Oldfield. The sequence is composed of several lines that interlock quite nicely and bounce around for a while before coming to an agreeable conclusion. "Sleep" begins with a solid Berlin-type sequence that morphs nicely to a set of overlapping rhythmic patterns. The sound programming on this piece is particularly nice, with many sounds reminiscent of Schulze in his '70s heyday; there are many string pad /mellotron sounds. "Ages" is more reflective and slower, with nice analog sounding melody lines and effective transitions from the early , slow and lyrical parts to the faster sequences later in the piece. It also includes a nice electric guitar solo. "Stars' is a "pad" piece, with long sustained chords that successfully develop a dreamy and mysterious atmosphere. "Mystral" begins with phase-shifted whooshing that transitions to a chordal pattern that substitutes percussive organ sounds for a Berlin sequence and provides harmonic underpinnings and rhythmic focus to the piece. Remy provides a lot of soloing on this piece and some of the piercing leads sound like Schulze in his prime. "Back From Paris" ends the recording with a more typical Berlin influenced piece, featuring poignant minor chords, slow, static evolving harmony, a nicely constructed Berlin-sequenced line that gives a nice "floating" feel to the piece, unobtrusive percussion and a tasteful guitar solo. All combine to make this an effective closer.
While Disconnected breaks no new ground, it does provide freshly composed material that is lovingly crafted and that presents an alternative to classic recordings that are over 2 decades old at this point. Remy's craftsmanship in expressing himself through this medium is secure and fans of the artists mentioned in this review would do well to seel it out. Recommended.

July 2004. Mark Morton / Wind And Wire

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This CD from 2003 features 75 minutes of energetic electronic music.
Remy Stroomer is joined on one track by Curly Quazar on guitar.
Delicate keyboards describe playful melodies cut in a fusion of contemporary electronic and classical music styles. Lilting chords prance with congenial pride, laced with crisp E-perc that almost functions as auxiliary notes instead of rhythms. Slowly, the beats adopt their position as tempo guidance, allowing the synthesizers to escalate into more lavish cycles. These cycles deviate with satisfying variations, questing for more velocity and alternate direction. Earlier patterns return to dog the ongoing sonic evolution, goading the flow to more energetic vibrancy. And that's just the first track.
Wavery chords usher in the next tune, rising and falling like a chugging piston. The pattern expands, widening its scope across the keyboard as if questing for a larger sonic panorama. Crystalline notes enter the flow, peppering the melody with sugary embellishment like glass chimes dancing in a languid breeze.
The next track explores the use of deeper sounds, notes tinged with a romantic edge (and highly reminiscent of early Nineties Klaus Schulze). The tone is sober and pensive for a while, gradually gaining girth and power. Shimmering sequencing emerges to dominate the flow. Distant textures strive in vain to commandeer the mix, but the main thread remains steadfast and victorious. Eventually, E-perc rises to assist these invading riffs, coaxing pep into the melody with snappy rhythms. Enter the electric guitar: its soft squeal accreting body until its outcry is searing with rock-out sensibilities.
A soft piece follows, generating a heavenly starscape with twinkling notes amid a somber texture.
Swooping electronics evoke a descending mist of mystical demeanor for the next track. Comfortably durable rhythms creep in along with shrill chords that sustain with mysterious potency. Slowly, these sparkling tonalities saturate the melody.
The harmonics possess a lively bounciness that persists undaunted in these long-form compositions, and Remy makes excellent use of this upbeat ambience.
A companion CD called "Connected" exists, featuring more of Remy's enticing compositions.

2004. Matt Howarth / Sonic Curiosity