OPTICAL RACE

Optical Race is one of these "up-beat" albums that Tangerine Dream can come up with once in a while. Edgar Froese and Paul Hasslinger after Chris Franke's departure, produced this excellent record with shorter tracks but with the right amout of energy in the composing and instrumentation. Many die-hard fans originally turned their noses away from Optical Race since Tangerine Dream usually features tracks more than 10 minutes long. The guitar/keyboard into on Marrakesh, followed up by sequenced drumming and beautiful played Roland soundscapes makes this "opening" intriguingly positive towards a renewed Tangerine Dream and Atlas Eyes comes in in a very mellow mood, reminding the listener of Canyon Dreams. The track speeds up and gains the same energy level as Marrakesh. Mother Of Rain is the track that brings the energy level down a bit to the normal TD beat. An easy piece of music with wonderful alternative soundscapes. Twin Soul Tribe continues the more mellow soundscape where drums/percussions interlaces with synth flutes, this ebb's out into the title track Optical Race which is a high energy produced, very easy "digested", track where a clear rock'n roll element is the lead. Cat Scan is more leveled out with nice clear piano sounds and guitar's. Sun Gate is more in the oldtime TD style with elements from Underwater Sunlight and a fabulous guitar riff surrounded by perfect synths. Turning Of The Wheel is again a tune that ressembels Canyon Dreams moody soundscapes. The Midnight Trail has the still moody symphonic melodic and features sequenced percussions set's a fast pace counterbalanced by the FX Roland patch so here its back and forwards with the pace. Ghazal is the last track and starts off with a guitar solo (acoustic). The track progresses into a high energy frenezy with an array of synths and sequencers in perfect balance, giving the track a well deserved second title; Love Song...Thats what it is. There are so many beautifully structured Tangerine Dream elements here enough to consider this album among Tangerine Dream's best.