DEPARTURE FROM THE NORTHERN WASTELAND

It was the review by HolyMoly(Steve) that convinced me that I needed this album. I really miss the days of my long(50 minutes each way) commute to work across country, especially those sunny days. Nothing like listening to soundscape music in the comfort of a vehicle during a scenic drive. Michael Hoenig is most known to me for his incredible work while playing for AGITATION FREE. He did join TANGERINE DREAM for a short time then went solo which is where this albums comes in being released in 1978. And yes TANGERINE DREAM is the answer to the question "What does the music sound like ?". The cover art is as stunning as the music by the way and it does remind me of those long drives. By the way Michael does pretty much everything here but his former AGITATION FREE mate Lutz Ulbrich plays double guitar on the title track. Conny Plank helped with the mixing at his studio.

"Departure From The Northern Wasteland" opens in a haunting manner and spacey winds arrive briefly before a minute. What I love about Electronic music is that you can use your imagination while laying on your bed for example with the lights out and headphones on. It starts to pick up and brighten then it kicks in after 2 1/2 minutes with that electronic beat along with those spacey synths. This is a side long suite clocking in at almost 21 minutes as the music shifts and changes in a reserved manner. It calms right down 17 minutes in, then the electronic beat stops.

"Hanging Garden Tranfer" opens with two different electronic beats that pulse deeply. A much fuller sound arrives before 2 minutes. Lots to focus on here as the sounds weave in and around each other. It settles back before 3 1/2 minutes. It's fuller again before 7 minutes but not for long. "Voices Of Where" opens in a laid back manner as sounds drone like they aren't in any hurry. I like this and it continues for about 5 minutes. Some twittering before 5 minutes then voices come in as the sound changes. Voices only before 6 minutes to end it. "Sun And Moon" kicks in with a melodic electronic beat quickly as synths come in over top. This really is like the sun coming up, like they have arrived at their destination. Brighter and happier.

I'm so glad I was able to get my hands on this on this one. Easily 4 stars.