PANDROMANIA

Not too shabby this one. The first half of the album is rather forgettable, with the notabel exception being the fast-paced title track.

The last four tracks here are rather good though, with the highlight being the slightly Tomita sounding relaxing song "Adagio in G".

But when that is said, this is music for the specially interested. One man bands where the synth is the only instrument used, and the music played is symphonic rock inspired, do hit home with a rather limited audience.

This was Alfred's fifth solo album, released in 2005. As with most of his work this is a totally solo effort with Alfred providing all instruments plus the small amount of vocals on 'Wheel of Fortune', so it is just the small sampling of Suzann on 'Miles Beyond' and the title cut which is the only thing he doesn't do himself. I have been rather disparaging of her vocals on some of his other albums, but here there is a much better effect and it makes much more musical sense. As I worked through the album I felt that this was what I have come to expect from Alfred, lots of Jean Michel Jarre and Vangelis influences, although there does seem to more piano than usual which is nice to hear, but the storm effects that start the title cut really grabbed my attention. Half way through the album and here was something that had Wakeman written all over it with loads of bombast and power. If ever Alfred really rocked without a guitar or drummer in sight then this is it. This is such a powerful song that it really wipes away everything that has gone before it on the album as the listener gets taken into a totally different world and mindset than previously.

But to my surprise that isn't the best number on the album, that particular honour goes to one of the longest songs performed by Alfred, 'Wheel of Fortune' which is nearly ten minutes long. Loads of different styles and effects throughout really keep the listener involved. But, it is also an example of why Alfred should really consider getting back into a band situation as while this is good it would be so much better if there were real drums, real bass, real guitar and a proper singer such as Ashley Holt who would be extremely well suited to this. So overall, another very consistent album from Alfred and if you enjoy pure solo synth albums then this may be of interest. www.soniqtheater.de