Published on Nov 4, 2005
Let’s be clear from the start — I’m not much for electronica. I
like the rich organic tones of electric and acoustic guitars,
basses and drums. Piano as well, and some of the warmer-toned
keyboards like the Hammond. Only rarely — as with
Yes — do I find synthesizers enjoyable in
any role other than as background texturing. I also, as a writer,
have a decided preference for music with vocals and songs that try
to tell a story with words and images.
All of which makes my fondness for this album that much more
remarkable.
Sonic Adventure Project consists of a pair of Austrian
synthesizer wizards, Thomas Viehboeck and Peter Koellerer, and of
Exergonic‘s twelve tracks, only one features vocals. The
remainder of the disc is decidedly ambient/chillout in style —
evocative, thoughtful, moderately paced tracks whose supple
melodies float in and out and above and below your consciousness as
the music plays in the background.
One of the secrets may be that SAP use piano quite a bit, and
while they occasionally employ interesting electronic effects
(“Memories Of I Am,” “Mode III”), synths are just as often used to
mimic acoustic instruments — horns and strings, even a sitar
(“Sitarian Supernova”). The overall impression, then, is nearly as
symphonic as it is electronic.
There are hints of light jazz in a track or two here (“Above The
City”), but overall the songs are all about melody and flow, and
free of anything resembling a solo. The one vocal track, “Inner
Journey,” features luminous guest vocals from Julia Fischer
supporting a song that fits in beautifully with the album’s overall
introspective vibe.
Exergonic is an adjective meaning liberating or releasing
energy, a nod to the new age undercurrents of some of these
spaciously arranged tunes. But the music is never lacking in
substance; these tracks do indeed hum with a gentle energy and
tantalizing complexity. This disc is the ideal soundtrack for a
quiet evening in a dimly-lit room, working, reading, or otherwise
mellowing out.
[
For more information, visit Sonic Adventure Project at
www.starmill.at]