Harald Nies: Planet and Gongs
Here is another album like a Klaus Hoffmann-Hoock album that I recently reviewed
where I feel that the title could be misleading. Whilst the cover suggests
that the
music is for meditation and relaxation, for which it is perfectly suitable,this
should
in no way put off any synth music fans who feel that it may be too syruppy or
lightweight,as some "relaxation" music tends to be. This is
in fact a very enjoyable
"space music" album with miles of synth layers that flow and evolve
into one
another. Although a press release I received states that Harald is a guitar
player,
there is only a small amount of guitar on this release, which is used more in
a
textural role than as a foreground lead instrument. For me the major points
of
reference in the music were Vangelis and Klaus Hoffmann-Hoock. Harald
like
these other musicians balances melody and atmosphere very well, though as
with all good space music the melodies are nebulous and ethereal, rather than
being strict tunes, and this increases the feeling that you are drifting through
the reaches of space or are experiencing vast landscapes. ndeed some of
the
music was quite reminiscant of Tangerine Dream's "Canyon Dreams" and
"Oasis"
albums.
I would definately recommend this album to fans of space music, Vangelis, Klaus
Hoffmann-Hoock, and fans of Tangerine Dream's more symphonic and ambient
output. This is perfect for relaxing to but with more than enough substance
for
active listening.
CDR:Sahure Music