SYN-CODE

"Syn-Code" is one of the most ambitious albums from the German duo. Consisting in two suites of more than twenty minutes and a third track of nine minutes, the music incorporates different instruments in addition of synthesizers and has a strong orientation towards new-age. However, the long pieces lacks unity and fail at keeping the interest of the listener as for example on "Electronic-Universe Part I".

"Syn-Code-A" begins with a rainy introduction, to then unveil flute and electronic passages. The middle section displays a jungle soundscape with animal sounds, while the ending part concludes the track with aerial voices. There are a few good moments but no true musical direction.

"Syn-Code-Z" is the weakest composition of the record. It features cheesy synthesizers and electronic percussions sonorities typical of the late 80's. The "thunder" section is more lively with the apparition of electric guitar, whereas the ending is just basic new-age. The problem is that the different parts seem disconnected and the overall is not very coherent.

The final track, "Syn-Code-Sunset", has strong reminiscences of what KLAUS SCHULZE was doing in the eighties. The finale is quite mystical.

"Syn-Code" is quite an uneven and strange album. The German duo wanted to experiment and emancipate from their initial TANGERINE DREAM and KLAUS SCHULZE influences by reducing the use of electronic loops and adding novel orchestrations and sound effects. Nonetheless, the result is not convincing and difficult to follow.

The style differs from SOFTWARE's previous electronic progressive acts such as "Phancyful Fire" or "Electronic-Universe Part I". Don't choose this album if you're looking for hypnotic meditative or futuristic soundscapes. Fans of 80's new-age music may however appreciate it.