FOOTPRINTS

Footprints was easily the new album I listened to the most this year and my favourite album from Michael Brückner (from the tiny portion of his catalogue I know). It was released by the recent Argentinian label Cyclical Dreams, dedicated to Berlin School and Michael brings us an album that harks back to the golden era of the genre while displaying his unique personality and deep understanding of electronic ambience.

I was immediately drawn by the mysterious and colourful liquid painting cover by Tony Jimenez that reminded me of Tangerine Dream's "Atem", and I think it reflects perfectly the music found on this album.

The opener "Everlasting Footprints" was initially recorded in 2015 as an homage to Edgar Froese who had recently passed away but was shelved for a few years (as he didn't want to capitalize on Edgar's passing) and then was reworked for this album. In this 22 minute piece Michael explores the whole Tangerine Dream sonic universe, from Mellotron flutes, to wavetable synthesis and pulsating sequencers with glimpses of piano, organ, guitar and drums. While it could seem like a huge mess on paper, he successfully managed to create a mastercrafted tapestry of sounds. Some elements are used sparingly while others come and go to provide an anchor in this relentless and constantly evolving epic.

After that long musical journey, "The Sequence of Memories" brings some stability while never losing momentum, with its bright sequencers, wobbly synths and reverberating pads.

"Carbon" is a very odd and unpreditable track (in a good way), even after a few dozen listens I never know where it will take me. Slightly deranging at first, percussive the next moment and suddenly becomes contemplative. On the second half it starts shifting gears and all these elements collide to form the most fascinating and indescribable mood.

The album ends with "Space Suit", a cinematic three-part suite. The story I imagine is of an astronaut in awe with the sight of a strange yet beautiful quartz based planet. Suddenly the floor crumbles under his feet and after regaining conscience he finds himself in a luminous cave. Realizing that he lost communication with the ship, he has to find a way out before the oxygen runs out.

As usual, bonus tracks are provided, for those who want to dig deeper in his work and creative process. The CD has the 2015 recording of the opening track (simpler but not less engaging) while the download also comes working versions of the other tracks and improvisation sessions.

Once again Michael Brückner takes us on a colourful and emotional ride, constantly engaging and immensely inspired.

5 stars.