SYN-CODE

So close to heaven...

German duo Peter Mergener and Michael Weisser's 1987, live "Syn-Code-Symphony for Computer and DNA Molecules" album, certainly projects one of the most amazing and disappointing results at the same time. The album consists of three songs, the first two run 20 minutes (give n' take) each, and the third 9 and a half .

The first song "Syn-Code-Rain.." is a marvelous and original electronic trip, feeding on all kind of influences but never sounding like none. They feed on the "Pink ", as they visit the blues, as they do with close to this sub-genre contemporaries and other cats. But I insist, without sounding like rip-offs of those guys. How? Well, they always stick to their guns and this is by not moving their ensemble beyond analog-synths and their respective sounds and "noises", without trying to imitate "bass" or "electrics". This song is an easy 4.5 star, according to PA's parameters.

Next comes the slow downfall. Track 2 "Syn-Code-Ocean...", as if really trying to come up with something completely opposed to the previous track, they choose the maybe novel in those days, 80's horrendous drum-box dance methods. No, not all the track is like that. It starts in a very promising manner but eventually becomes an 80's MTV anyone's song. It then kind of recomposes itself by oblitarating the "drums" and turning into something more "opera-like". This is the 3 star minus song of the album.

The third part, the coda of the concert, "Syn-Code-Sunset...." starts from scratch a very evocative and spacy (and kind of short, in comparisson to track 2) trip that resembles more the music of Michael Cretu's ENIGMA than the "official" PA's electronic proggers. A relief considering the previous "momentary lapse of reason". This one is a 4 star song.

If I could feel comfortable rating this album 4 stars I would. But that "80's MTV" detour sets it short of the "flawless" & "essential" PA's tagging credentials needed.

Anyway, highly recommendable to aquire, but you have been forwarned!

3.9 PA stars!

"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.