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Binkelman's Corner by Bill Binkelman |
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Bill Binkelman is a long-time icon in the industry. |
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| Dimensions |
| By John Lyell |
| Label: Lightyear Productions |
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| Dimensions tracks |
1. Of Space And Time
2. Dream Space
3. Red Shift
4. Transport
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5. Enter the Light
6. Dreamspace Return
7. Dimensions
8. Distant Echo
9. Twilight Passing
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Dimensions |
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This is John Lyell's first solo offering (his previous two recordings were with Brent Reiland). Just as Synthetic Universe, his last effort with Reiland, was a leap forward from their debut, Wormholes, Dimensions is an equally impressive upgrade (considering how much I liked Synthetic Universe, that's saying something). Dimensions is one of the best spacemusic offerings in a long time, evoking comparisons to both the pioneers in the field, e.g. Geodesium, as well as current day artists, such as Alpha Wave Movement and Sylken. Lyell displays complete commitment to the genre with nary a moment of crossover or fusion to be heard, however, this is not just floating Serrie-like soundscapes, (a la And the Stars Go With You). The CD includes gentle rhythms wedded to cruising textures and luxurious deep space washes. These types of rhythms have been a part of spacemusic since its inception, although some fans may prefer the genre be completely beat-less. The artists mentioned earlier (Mark Pedersen, a.k.a. Geodesium, Gregory Kyryluk, a.k.a. Alpha Wave Movement, and the trio Sylken) recognize that spacemusic can coexist with gentle unforced pulses (usually synth bass notes or tones that have a regular cadence to them). The key to inserting these elements is to maintain an ethereal/cosmic sensation via layers of synthesizers, washes, chords, and pads, so that the "beats" merge with the other more ambient components fusing into a "whole", hopefully evoking starfields, nebulae, planetary surfaces, et al. Lyell accomplishes this feat with flair, style, imagination and artistry. The liberal use of retro style keyboards adds a nice touch of nostalgia to many songs as well.
Things start off briskly with reverberating panned shimmering synth tones set against washes and breathy synth chorals on the opening Of Space and Time, followed by the gentle pulsing bass beats, echoed bells and floating retro keyboards of DreamSpace. Red Shift sees the pulsing synth bass rhythms become more prominent set against a variety of retro washes and synth pads that float, hover, and gently soar across the soundfield. Lyell introduces some contemporary glitch textures on Transport counterpointed by ethereal chorals and sparse twinkling bell tones. Enter the Light features both long warm drones/washes and spacy electronic effects as well as a panned rhythm played out on clicking percussives. The title DreamSpace Return is, I believe, a nod to Steve Roach's Dreamtime Return as amidst the assorted spacemusic elements is a haunting flute at the outset and the beats bear a subtle resemblance to Roach's tribal ones from that period of his career. The synths themselves may also remind you of Roach as well. Twilight Passing is the rhythmless closing number, sounding like it's from any one of several Spotted Peccary releases from the label's earlier days, e.g. Deborah Martin's Under the Moon.
I haven't described every track on the CD because, by now, you're either salivating to get your hands on this disc or you've already decided to pass it by. I figure I'll leave one or two tracks for you to discover on your own. I'll simply close by stating what should be obvious by now. I LOVE THIS ALBUM! I wondered how Lyell could top Synthetic Universe, but he did it with apparent ease. No lover of spacemusic should be without Dimensions - period. I usually loathe using terms like "essential" to describe recordings, but I honestly don't think your collection is complete without this album. Unless you adhere to the narrow belief that spacemusic never contains rhythmic elements, this is one CD you need to get. Once it's in your hands, grab your lawn chair and play it while gazing at the heavens on a warm night. Trust me, it's gonna whisk you away and take you out among the stars themselves. My highest recommendation.
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Rating: Excellent  |
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- reviewed by Bill Binkelman on 1/7/2007 |
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