220 VOLT LIVE

First TANGERINE DREAM live release by of the nineties, and also the first one without Christopher Franke. This record shows the new style adopted by the band in their mid-90's period: less electronic sequences, more rock-oriented, with a bit of saxophone. During this performance, the guitar parts are played by Edgar and Jerome Froese, but also by Zlatko Perica. For the first time for an official TD live release, there are no 20 minutes long suites, tracks have various names and their durations vary between 3 and 10 minutes. However, it still features material unreleased in studio.

Let's make things clear: if you want a cosmic, hypnotic trip, then this record is not what you're looking for. Despite its title, "220 Volt Live" is rather flat, uninspired new-age background music. The compositions' sound and style are quite similar, it's hard to differentiate one from another. Nonetheless, there are a few interesting moments.

"Sundance Kid" is the best tune here, as it is built over a TD typical synth sequence. For the honorable mentions, the title track has enjoyable passages and "Hamlet" features nice guitar solos. The surprise comes near the end with "Purple Haze". This cover is nice and punchy, but seems a bit out of place. At least, it wakes you up.

Definitely not for 70's TANGERINE DREAM purists, "220 Volt Live" is a clear significant change from their previous live records. Too long and too homogeneous, it has its moments and interesting ideas, but too rare in my opinion.