Keyboard player Steve Moore is one half of the synth/prog duo Zombi, and here he is with his debut solo album for Cuneiform Records titled Light Echoes. Now normally I'm not the biggest fan of these epic scaled space rock/synth excursions other than some of those old classic Tangerine Dream albums, but Light Echoes is a hell of an experience, as Moore has delivered some chilling soundscapes here and scintillating synth textures making for a wonderful album of instrumental music.
Many of the tunes ebb and flow with restrained menace, thanks to haunting walls of synth washes and drones, as Moore's gifted touch creates soundscapes that are completely unforgettable. "Aldebran Exchange" can be either the soundtrack to a great science fiction film or your worst nightmare, take your pick, it's that chilling. There's not much that's busy at all here, but that indeed is the point, as it's all about textures, atmosphere, ambience, and colors. The 14-minute "Light Echoes II" does feature some fluttering loops in the forefront, but Moore's far reaching tapestries just soar and soothe, taking the listener on an epic, soul discovering journey. Fans of all the classic Tangering Dream and Klaus Schulze recordings will certainly love this one! Chirping, bleating synths and gentle waves of sound permeate the 'cool breeze' feel of the space age "Protomorphosis", and the soaring space rock of both "Tyken's Rift" and "Light Echoes I" instantly take you back to 1973. Throw in the mammoth 28-minute "Ancient Shorelines II", complete with dramatic Moog & Mellotron sounds that can both terrorize you and drop you into a tranquil state, and you have a wonderful electronic release that will keep you coming back for more, prompting the listener to discover new, hidden sounds & nuances each and every time.
Kudos to Cuneiform Records for unleashing this little gem; hopefully, anyone who hasn't yet discovered Zombi due to that band being on extreme metal label Relapse Records (they are anything but metal) will stumble on this wonderful release and see what REAL synth based music is all about.
Track Listing
1. Tyken's Rift 6:12
2. Light Echoes I 6:38
3. Aldebran Exchange 6:41
4. Light Echoes II 14:02
5. Protomorphosis 8:48
6. Ancient Shorelines II 28:03
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