NUMERICA

Although with a cover as horrible as "Supranatural", "Numerica" shows an unexpected welcomed sound evolution compared to the dated cheesy synths of the previous album. Recorded only 2 years after, it looks like it was recorded a half-decade after. Good point for NEURONIUM, the 80's clichés are gone for good. So, does this mean better music?

In fact the album alternates enjoyable and less inspired moments. For example, "500 Years" is an enjoyable slow opener, while the soft melancholic "Deep Illness Of Love" is average. "Promenade" is an ambient tune with "world" music sonorities, while the slow "The Power Of Your Smile" is rather boring. The title track is dreamy and incorporates a pleasant synth loop sounding a bit similar to KLAUS SCHULZE's "Crystal Lake".

Not really tortuous, "The Maze" is nice but a bit sleepy. The 15 minutes long "Extreme Limits" is not very extreme either, but features some cool sonorities and voice effects. The record finishes with "Au Revoir", with a sequence again reminiscent of KLAUS SCHULZE, but with an average result this time.

At least Michel Huygen escaped from the 80's and made his sound progressed in a good way. Concerning the music itself, from now on, the compositions will be less direct and more slow ambient/new-age oriented. As a first attempt in this new direction, "Numerica" is unequal, it still contains weak tracks and too long passages. Not an album of hypnotic pulsating electronica, but works as background music or for relaxation.