BLAZE

Both are well respected electronic proggers, both have their own solo discography, besides their mutual participation in the prog/electronic band: "Redshift". (Which Ian Boddy joined later, during original member James Goddard's absence).

Both musicians also share the same contemporaries. Mark Shreeve's solo music direction inclines toward "Tangerine's Dreamscapes" and pulses, which somehow become somewhat of a burden in the long run. Now, don't get me wrong, but his personal musical idiom, which he has, sometimes suffers of this unnecessary tendency to subdue itself.

Ian Boddy's solo career stands closer to the experimental "Ambient "electronics. He is, to call it somehow, less influenced by this sub-genre's famous "stars" (including also Mr. Schulze, of course!).

Therefore, what works great in this meeting of minds and styles, is that both musicians come to terms with a "third language", which is a perfectly balanced juxtaposition, of both musical universes. Carl Brooker provides some acoustic drumming on 4 tracks.

BLAZE, this 2003 project, is the perfect example of the above mentioned. Rich in "electronic" ideas and non-stop dynamic creativity. The formidable "third idiom" brings freedom to the musical manner of composition , which could only be aquired by this blend of styles. Its inherent progression as an album, becomes hypnotic, either be it, by its fresh and "unpolluted" approach or by its un-matchable and ORIGINAL song writing and performances.

****4 PA stars. Essential for followers of the sub-genre and other curious prog-cats!