AGES

First double solo album by Edgar Froese, "Ages" was recorded after the departure of Peter Baumann from TANGERINE DREAM in 1977, and before a new progressive rock orientation was found with "Cyclone". This was quite a specific blank period for the band, and that's why the music is very sensitive and emotional.

Whereas his previous records were rather ambient or experimental, "Ages" marks the true arrival of melodies in Froese's music, however not always inspired. It also features the participation Klaus Krieger at drums and percussions, who will join TD the same year.

The first disc contains only a few good passages. "Metropolis" is inspired by the well-known Fritz Lang movie. The introduction has (very) slight reminiscences of "Clockwork Orange"'s theme. This peaceful track has some interesting ideas, but is unfortunately too long. Although also repetitive, the soft "Era Of The Slaves" is delicate and rather enjoyable. "Tropic Of Capricorn" is inspired by a book of Henry Miller. This massive melancholic suite suffers from the same drawbacks as the opener and does not justify its 21 minutes duration.

The second disc is better and more original. "Nights Of Automatic Women" features fast drumming coupled with a short minimalistic sequence, therefore prefiguring "Madrigal Meridian" in TD's next album, the controversial "Cyclone". Trippy. The slow and futuristic "Icarus" is also pleasant, while "Children's Deeper Study" possesses an unusual and intriguingly beautiful melody. Then comes the aerial "Ode To Granny A", soothing and relaxing. "Pizarro And Atahuallpa" may be the most surprising composition here, as it features exotic percussions and (kind of) spanish guitar.

The eight minutes bonus track "Golgatha And The Circle Closes" features cool spacey guitar playing.

Despite its title, this record did not aged very well and could have been shortened. Only double studio album and weakest 70's release from Edgar Froese, "Ages" is uneven and too long. This first melodic attempt will however be successfully refined and polished one year later, on his next opus "Stuntman".

Nonetheless, this personal solo effort remains a turning point in Edgar's discography, as it opens new electronic horizons.