TURN OF THE TIDES

One of the least interesting TANGERINE DREAM albums of the 90's. "Turn Of The Tides" confirms the rock orientation taken in the previous album, with a touch of new-age. Froese and son have now recruited 5 new musicians. As a result, the sound is prettier and less dated, more adapted to the band's new musical style. Saxophonist Linda Spa and guitarist Zlatko Perica's interventions are often pleasant. Unfortunately, the quality of the compositions has not improved since "Rockoon".

The opening, an electronic reinterpretation of MOUSSORGSKI's "Pictures At An Exhibition" is simply awful, just press the skip button. "Firetongues" is the best track of the record. A cool relaxing ambient track featuring a flamenco-style moment. This should have been the opening track. "Galley Slave's Horizon" is also decent with its distorted guitar soli and its calm middle part. "Twilight Brigade" features some nice guitar play and... That's all. The other compositions are rather dull, flat or boring. Sometimes they does not sound like TD. The 1995 CD edition features a bonus track, "Story Of The Brave", more direct and enjoyable.

"Turn Of The Tides" is rather transparent in TANGERINE DREAM's discography. This may be due to the absence of memorable tracks. The 90's were definitely the worst decade for the german dreamers. Works as background music, nothing more...