Tension, the second CD production from Montreal Keyboardist Redjy Emond, is a moving and powerful collection of symphonic pieces with hints of Rick Wakeman, but heavy with the influence of Japanese composer Tomita.
In addition to the above, Emond claims inspiration from the likes of Keith Emerson, John [sic] Sebastian Bach and Moussorgsky [sic]. He is a talented and extremely dexterous musician incorporating elements of classical piano and symphony-style progressive rock composition into his opus, with the appearance of a small orchestra--while he remains the sole performer throughout the work. Despite his nimble abilities, Emond relies on sequencers for the percussion and manages the background rhythm tactfully.
The entirely instrumental Tension demonstrates a compendium of moods from sullen and thoughtful to elated and emotionally charged. While at times atmospheric, this work is more often upbeat and moving with the full electronic symphony that dominates the tracks. Somewhat hidden between the grand symphonic gestures are more classical interludes, but as they are not given quite equal time some can be lost in the barrage of electronic composition.
The eight tracks on Tension begin with thirty seconds of an eerie, atmospheric storm called simply 'Introduction' which ends in a quick chord sequence fit for Vincent Price. The third track, 'Conqueror', starts with a little more than three minutes of expressive classical piano, moving to the domimant electronic tone of the production.
Emond is clearly a talented musician, but where this production suffers is a lack of clear compositional distinction between pieces. Each is excellently performed; however, it can be easy to feel that the tracks blend together into a single, long, electronic concerto.
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