ÉQUINOXE

"Ã??quinoxe" is just as mesmerising as the hugely successful "Oxygene" and is also very similar. There are some even nicer whirling soundscapes of multi-textured effects on this album. As before, nothing is repetitive and the tracks are smoothy paced. Some parts are very sublime, they even send shivers down my spine.

The opening part is short and sweet but it is quite inspiring with its rapid arpegios and deep pitch sweeps. There's evidence of a slight development here, particularly a greater, more dynamic use of sequencing on basslines. Part 3 continues with some more apregios and has a stunning melody backed by some mellotron chior, finishing with a collage of sound effects, including a bell chime. The first half of the album is by far my favourite. Parts 4 and 5 are the more well-known tracks from the album, where the sequencers are on overdrive and there's a passion for Bontempi organ drum machines whilst part six has a bit more of an exotic mix.

The closing part 8 is very slow in tempo and stands out to the rest of the tracks. It's nothing major and isn' bad, it just seems a little out of place. Aside from this album and the great "Oxygene", I still haven't heard much of Jarre's other work. This however, is probably among the French composer's best releases. This ought to be played on a pair of decent speakers or good headphones! My rating is 4 stars. Well worth checking out.