ADRIAN WAGNER

Somewhat dated for sure, INSTINCTS by ADRIAN WAGNER is still a worthwhile experience; it does however fall short of being an essential addition to a Prog lovers collection - I'll give it 4 stars. Released in 1978 it's an enjoyable mix of Adrian's synthesized atmospheric, symphonic and rhythmic sounds. Guitar and bass are included on many tracks and drums are provided as well, courtesy of Morris Pert. It's a spaced-out trip, part of the nascent new age scene I suppose, captivating at times tranquilizing, and inspiring as well. I wouldn't categorize Adrian's music as new age but it is certainly dominated by his use of multiple synthesizers and percussion. There is serious progressive content to be relished on this seriously underrated jewel and I suspect many readers of this review will instinctually enjoy the ride.

— First review of this album —

INCA my foot!

I have never been a fan of video games, when young the graphics and music were horrendous. Hell is Mario Brother's world!

Some of this Adrian Wagner, 1978, "The Last Inca" songs could have served that purpose, opening track, to make it worse and track 2 resemble a Mario Bro "dancing and dreaming with buttercups" first and second scene.

Patiently I listen to this "childish" (to put it lightly) experience. Track 3 opens the same but as an intro to a funkier tempo, however the melody is still as silly as the previous songs and its getting up front stupid.

Tack 4, for those who miss CASIO's calculators with pre-set rhythms styles. F...K!

Track 5 is dreamy and cheesy, my INCA Gods, what else can I ask for!

Track 6 closes side "A" ,with a "let's get serious and funky" as a forgettable highlight.

Side "B">

Track one, is far more mature than all side A. A jazzy-electronic feel with added cacophonies is the best that has happened yet, but the personal bar has not be proven to be that high!

Track 2, has its symphonic ambitions nevertheless stuck by its electronic instruments limitations and a quiet simplistic musical idiom.

Track 3 closes this dreadful sonic experience, with some artificial musicianship pretentions yet the only rescueable track of this release. Its flaws and its constant limitations outweight even its few proposals. So adding up........ (or substracting, being the case) .

*1.5 PA star, say no more.

Adrian Wagner (mostly known for his collabs with Arthur Brown and Robert Calver) is a very curious and confidential actor in the development of early prog electronic years. "Instincts" delivers an impossible mix between Alan Parson's efforts, Tangerine Dream (Virgin Era) and Cybotron. This one offers an elevated spacey cosmic rock odyssey made of powerful hypno-drums, killer guitar tricks and melodiously epic synth patterns. Extremely fashionable materials with some sweet retro-pop bucolic accents (that almost remind me Cluster at their softest moments in "Sowiesoso") but the result is constantly pleasant and surprisingly diversified. A lot of naiveties and kitchy sounds in some groovy-synth excursions ("waterbrook", "high seas") but also very memorable ultra-catchy, tripped-out sonic themes, like in the plastic and rhythmical introduction track or the sensually floating "An other's summer comin". Instincts certainly did not pass the test of time due to the omnipresence of fashionable synthesized chords, however it remains an important contribution to the electronic prog genre in its most classical side.