KVR :: Music Cafe » KVR member releases - GOSSIP [View Original Topic]
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pHz - Mon Nov 29, 2004 1:17 pm

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please use this thread to comment on / review / discuss any of the music officially released by KVR members (see this thread for more details) ...

slainte rob

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shamann - Mon Nov 29, 2004 1:31 pm

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So given that this is the gossip thread, one point of order:

Re: the new stickied marketplace thread. If a member has CDs to sell, does it preclude them from creating their own thread in the marketplace to sell CDs? I give you the recent Wretch limited edition CD thread as an example. If the new stickied thread takes off, perhaps there would be no need to double advertise. Please clarify.

Cheers,
Steve

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pHz - Mon Nov 29, 2004 1:34 pm

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personally (and pending POSSIBLE creation of a releases forum) i dont have a problem with a dedicated thread AND a quick post in the sticky ...

... the sticky (IMHO) is to provide a quick reference catalogue of available K-v-R member releases for those that dont want to trawl the forum but if artists want to further publcise their work in its own thread then fair enough ...

... the only decision for everyone else is then which thread to post reviews / comments/ etc in ...

slainte rob

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Druu - Mon Nov 29, 2004 1:49 pm

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Druu's EP, Sub-Urban, was reviewed over at SonicRaider.com internet radio. Here are some excerpts:

"From the moment I tore open the package, I knew I had something special. Druu's new release is polished in every facet... It's a beautifully packaged EP featuring seven stellar tracks that are sure to help you break the speed limit... If you like clean, sophisticated nu-school breaks, Druu's programming is gonna knock you out."

"Journey" the third track on Sub-Urban, was reviewed at Besonic.com. According to that review: "Druuly, truely a trip. Accompanied by acid elements this is quite a ride into deep space. So put on your helmets, check your engine and wobble your way into it."

For more on Druu, check out www.druu.net or www.myspace.com/druu.

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pHz - Mon Nov 29, 2004 1:52 pm

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druu ...

... i know its not actually a sig but that signoff image breaks all our forum rules ...

http://www.kvr-vst.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=44705

... if you remove or amend it ill overlook the borderline spamming ...

slainte rob

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Druu - Mon Nov 29, 2004 1:58 pm

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Oops, sorry Bro! That's what I get for not reading all the rules... Graphic deleted.

Cheers!

Druu

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pHz - Mon Nov 29, 2004 1:59 pm

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thanks

slainte rob

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vurt - Mon Nov 29, 2004 3:24 pm

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damn what did i miss
i love controversy


eh reviews ok my cds fuckin excellent by it

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Caleb - Mon Nov 29, 2004 4:14 pm

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Ooooh thanks. This is exactly what I was hoping for.



Caleb

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Caleb - Mon Nov 29, 2004 6:26 pm

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Oooh - I have an idea (miracles do happen).

What we should do is archive off every year and reference it in the main thread.

For example, we have a thread now that can be 2004 releases (yeah I know some are probably from before that time).

When the year finishes, this thread is made non-sticky and a new thread is created for 2005 releases (or announcements) with a reference to the 2004 archive in the first post.

And then in 2006 we'll have a thread with references to the 2004 and 2005 archived posts.

It might make everything neater.
Does anyone like this idea?

Caleb

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freeztar - Mon Nov 29, 2004 9:05 pm

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I like that idea, but it would probably need it's own forum. Also, I think this thread should be in marketplace only, lest we one day have the first page of music cafe contain only stickies.

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bluedad - Mon Nov 29, 2004 9:15 pm

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just what I was thinking..or the gossip could go in 'everything else'

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Caleb - Tue Nov 30, 2004 12:07 am

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But that's why I thought it would be a good idea - so it wouldn't need its own forum.

It still ends up being all accessible via one thread then see what I mean? The first post will have links to the other threads so it doesn't matter if the posts themselves get buried in all the other MarketPlace excitement.

So you end up with one sticky thread at any given time in the MarketPlace forum. It accesses all CD release announcements.

Of course, it's also a nice idea to have a separate forum too. Then all the gossip and stuff about the CDs can sit there as well I guess.

Caleb

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bluedad - Tue Nov 30, 2004 5:58 am

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cloudspine - Tue Nov 30, 2004 6:02 am

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REVIEWS / COMMENTS

Na-Koja-Abad - Organika Obscura

“... well balanced across the spectrum ... found myself pulled into ... good sense of the tribal/ambient genre ... atmospheres and soundworlds weave together nicely ... mostly "mysterious" without getting too threatening or too "nice" ...”

– Byron Metcalf, percussionist, Ph.D. Transpersonal Psychology

“... creepy and mysterious ... the physical-model sounds are among my favorite ... an evolving feel that makes it human ...”

– Shane Sanders, ambient musician

“... extremely evocative ...”

– Rabbit Hole Radio Theatre

“ … starts with rather mysterious environmental soundworlds before tribal percussion enters stage. On the following 8 tracks the combination of repetitive tribal percussion and wandering atmospheric textures stays on the foreground, occasionally accompanied by some didgeridoo. In all, these 9 tracks/68 minutes create a quite trance-inducing, up and down spiralling ambience, which fans of Steve Roach or Byron Metcalf might like to check out sometime.”

– Bert Strolenberg, E-Dition Magazine

“... wells up from the core of his creative imagination full of the raw materials required for musical creation and it is inherent with contemplative and subtle percussive, tribal electronic emanations ...”

– May and Shane Beck, The Djinnsphere

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cloudspine - Tue Nov 30, 2004 6:04 am

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REVIEWS / COMMENTS

Na-Koja-Abad - Fleeting Glimpses

“Deep atmospheres, soundworlds and non-typical percussion grooves designed for subterranean travel”

– Byron Metcalf, percussionist, Ph.D. Transpersonal Psychology

“Fans of both the organic, darker and mysterious aesthetics of Alio Die and the thunderous, multi-instrumental tribal ambience of Steve Roach’s more recent works, should find considerable enjoyment in the sounds of this young, Bosnian artist known mysteriously as Na-Koja-Abad. A term deriving from Persian mysticism, Na-Koja-Abad means literally “land of nowhere.” The moniker is quite apropos for the mystical and surprisingly organic statement that suffuses Fleeting Glimpses.

Indeed, these sounds are purposeful and feel as though they emanate from a deep clarity within the artist. This is all the more surprising when we consider Na-Koja-Abad’s youthful twenty-four years. Clearly, there is something going on in these sounds that is deeply personal—if this was intended, Fleeting Glimpses succeeds admirably in its artistic honesty.

The beautiful mix of soft-synth textures and a various array of percussion instruments effortlessly permeates the entire mix. Combined with often thundering tribal percussion, the work succeeds in holding the listener’s attention. With titles like “Invocations in the Bowels of the Wind” and “Barzakh [Memories of Memories],” these mysterious and often tribal-ceremonial feeling sounds demonstrates that Na-Koja-Abad has absorbed his persona as kind of new “sonic shaman.” I suspect his following should only blossom with time.

In terms of standout tracks, my favorite is the wonderfully visual “Liquid Silhouettes.” This track and others evoke glowing images of the painted walls of prehistoric caves, cliffs, and rock formations. “Liquid Silhouette” stands out especially for its lingering, almost carbonated hiss that climbs from the distant smoke of a purposeful, almost ritualistic fire—the voices of spirits, perhaps? In short, these sounds really induce a deeply organic connection in the listener. A connection that leads to everywhere and nowhere much in the way Oophoi’s work often does, but Na-Koja-Abad prefers a simpler often more focused approach. Taken as a whole, the rhythmic focus of Fleeting Glimpses does sometimes lead to a bit of redundancy in sound, but Na-Koja-Abad’s aesthetic vision succeeds overall in transcending the familiarity that often comes from an over reliance on tribal ambient clichés.”

– Ben Fleury-Steiner, Wind and Wire Magazine

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Beardedone - Tue Nov 30, 2004 6:16 am

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oops sorry

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cloudspine - Wed Dec 01, 2004 1:53 am

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Prices of the two Na-Koja-Abad CDs have been reduced for a December holiday sale, ending January 1st, 2005

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TristezaOrange - Wed Dec 01, 2004 9:43 am

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OK, I've decided to release a CD at last.

It's going to be called the Salt Lake EP - older members may have listened to it in its entirety but it's OK cos I'm uploading it again for the rest of you. It's going to have some bonus tracks on it [I wouldn't want to waste space on perfectly good CD's after all ] so here's the tracklisting:

The Salt Lake EP

Track 1: Arid, Cracked and Silent
Track 2: Almost Equinox
Track 3: Hope Isle
Track 4: Devil's Triangle
Track 5: Rabbit's Peak

Bonus Tracks

Track 6: Distress Signals of A Hesitant Nature
Track 7: Midnight Lawn
Track 8: When The Moon Comes Out To Play
Track 9: The Spring Gardener [Bajongo Remix]
Track 10: Stavromula Beta

That's it ladies and gentlemen. PM me if you want to have it, I'm going to have to arrange something for shipping costs but other than that it's absolutely free.

Let me know if you're interested, really.

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Beardedone - Wed Dec 01, 2004 10:43 am

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Cool Tris Count me in.

Just so you all are aware. I will be releasing a Cd when I have some more tracks done. Maybe in six months if I can figure out the best way to distribute it. I am half done with five tracks that are up to snuff. There are at least four more needed to round it out. These may take a few months to get done. I also want to mix it properly using better monitors/room than I have now.

Don't tell I didn't warn y'all!

Cheers,
Gordon

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plunge - Wed Dec 01, 2004 11:15 am

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I'll look forward to your CD, Beardedone.

I finally started a thread over in the "Everything Else" forum that I think will probably be valuable to folks like you as they are thinking about how to duplicate CD's and artwork. I'm hoping to get something useful out of it.

http://www.kvr-vst.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=833917#833917

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Beardedone - Wed Dec 01, 2004 11:25 am

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Greta stuff Jeff. I ahve a lot to learn and plan befor I'm ready.

Cheers,
Gordon

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Kriminal - Sat Dec 11, 2004 11:42 am

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After Christmas.....



11 tracks, poss 12, 3 of which are unheard here. Track sequence still being experimented with.

Cash only

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Ja.x - Sun Dec 19, 2004 3:18 pm

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I posted another thread about the release of my latest CD, but here it goes again:

LAST RAVE ON MARS



Enjoy the samples, and orders welcome

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SythIdiot - Mon Dec 20, 2004 6:34 am

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Well done, man, well done...

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Ja.x - Wed Dec 22, 2004 5:01 am

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Thanks. Had some good comments, some PMs but...

... no orders (or almost) so far

Anyway I had a lot of fun making it

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hao nao - Sat Feb 26, 2005 2:05 pm

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chagzuki's CD is still in transit

just listened to opiadream's "sleepless in dreamland" -- excellent album -- definitely deserves another listen without any other distractions

it's great to feel excited about new music again

[edit: received Chagzuki's just a few days after ordering -- also an excellent album, exactly the kind of futuristic thriller soundtrack music that I expected from the demo clips]

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vurt - Sat Feb 26, 2005 2:22 pm

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waitin on opis and been listenin to chagzukis the past few days you will agree havran,well worth the wait as im sure i will be about opis,the man has a voice that could make angels weep

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knockman - Sat Feb 26, 2005 4:47 pm

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i agree about the excitement of these things - i've had opiadream's 'sleepless in dreamland' on the player pretty much constantly, well at least once a day. truly beautiful and mesmerizing. i need to check out some of these other releases .

regards

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normal - Sat Feb 26, 2005 4:51 pm

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another satisfied customer here ...
opia / sleepless is ichi ban ...

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cloudspine - Tue Mar 22, 2005 6:09 am

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Black Serpent Dreaming: Rites of Passage is a portrayal of an immense cave dwelling, its dark, solemn walls painted with mystical stories long forgotten, still breathing and echoing with forsaken rites of eons long passed, primeval essence still seething through the deep crevices within. With approximately 60 different layers of sound overall, the record is one of the most complex, evocative and vivid pieces in Na-Koja-Abad's catalogue, with plenty of variation throughout, and a vast amount of organic, incidental and percussive sounds.

This long-form shamanic ambience comes on April 1, 2005 on the Gears of Sand label.

Also note that, to commemorate Gears of Sand Recording's 2nd Anniversary the first 20 copies of both, GOS 8: Black Serpent Dreaming: Rites of Passage by Na-Koja-Abad and GOS 9: Drones for Bosal by Ben Fleury-Steiner (the label owner, ambient artist and reviewer) will be released as a special 2-for-1 at a special discount price.

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cloudspine - Mon Apr 11, 2005 11:32 pm

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Here's a new review of my second album, Fleeting Glimpses, by Bill Binkelman, editor of the Wind and Wire ambient e-zine:

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Miro - Thu May 05, 2005 2:12 am

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No reviews of Kriminal's Vapour Trails CD here yet?
Finally got my copy last week
Review coming here soon.

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Lady J - Mon Jul 18, 2005 2:55 pm

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I dont mention my pop stuff here as there is a bit of an anti-pop/hip hop/RnB/ bias but here is a CD that just came out with two of my underground DnB songs on it (Tampa Tantrum and In Your Arms)..

though it doesnt say it on the tower site (the artist names are hidden) Tampa Tantrum and In Your Arms were written by me and signed to Tehnorganic awhile ago..

http://www.towerrecords.com/product.aspx?pfid=3280800
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/psycle

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Lady J - Fri Jul 29, 2005 10:56 am

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"In Your Arms" is also available on another compilation called "Girls In Space"
http://www.spun.com/music/product-detail.jsp?id=2288273

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cptgone - Fri Jul 29, 2005 3:51 pm

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That's just silly. I, for one, like hip hop, and some kinds of r'n'b and pop.

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fake - Mon Aug 01, 2005 9:52 am

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Just to say I have a cd for download that anyone can have.

Some of the files on this are old ones and being updated, but not on the site.

http://www.thefakedj.co.uk



fake

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Parallel Worlds - Sun Sep 11, 2005 3:33 am

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hello all,
here is Roel Steverink's (a reviewer for many well-known EM magazines) detailed comments (track by track) on the third cd album from Parallel Worlds:

"1. Lifecircles is a good start. It's dark, lively with nice bell sounds, mysterious effects. You inventiveness in the rhythm department is also admirable. There are enough twists and turns to make it exciting through out. Finally excellent arrangment. Great piece.
2. Musique Electronique Part 1. Combination of Kraftwerk and DM. Nice but not special. I don't know, meaby I have problems with the combination of strict Kraftwerkish
drum beat and floating strings.
3. Musique Electronique Part 2. Much better, due to the strong floating melody? Nice those human esque voices. I like the DM-kind of effects after two minutes and certainly the dark slabs. Overall Good one.
4. Dreamstate. A real pearl. Very fantastical beginning. This reminds me of the music Maurice Jarre made for the Sci Fi movie Dreamscape. It fascinates through out.
Everything in the right place. Sublime effects!!!
5. Borrowing time from God. Nice, but still a bit boring, too much repeat of the dark played notes.
6. Far away light. Now this is what I call a jewel!!! It shines in every respect. Strange melody lines capture effortlessly the attention and mood of the listener. Superb arrangment. Very emotional too, real surging this piece.
7. Soulgates. Damn! This is far too short!!! Could have been the beginning of a real grand opus.
8. Misty Journey. Dreamstate reprise. It develops real quick in an emotional burner! And then...yes, the best melodie of the whole album can be heard! This so good and yet can be heard so little! And o yes I like the those pure electronic effects near the end!!!
9. Expectations. If this could be and I only mean the atmosphere here of course could be a taste of your upcoming ambient album... This is without doubt my favourite track from the album. It stays so dark in atmosphere and soundwise fascinates like an ancient enigma.
10. Fading Memories. And is it then possible to go wrong with the closer? No, I don't think so. Even good old mellotron pops up and places this right halfway the 70s, well for a moment cause the base line and rhythm are more modern. I only think it doesn't hold the whole 16 minutes. "


of course, this new third cd album can be bought direct from the Shima Records website ( www.shimarecords.co.uk ) and, very soon, from cdbaby.com, groove.nl, tower records and also as a mp3 download from apple's i-tunes, yahoo! music, and many other legal mp3 download sites.
best regards,
bakis.

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DanSad - Mon Oct 24, 2005 4:17 am

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Why didnt you ask us for a track?

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Parallel Worlds - Sun Oct 30, 2005 11:34 am

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hello all,
Parallel Worlds - Existence CD album is in the October's Top 20 albums of Bill Fox's Galactic Travels radio ambient/electronic music show.
see here: http://wdiy.org/programs/gt/playlists/2005/top20oct.html

also, some other well-know EM cd albums, (and E-dition#9 cd) are there too!
the top 20 list is in non-ranked, alphanumeric order.

best regards,
bakis.

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cloudspine - Fri Nov 11, 2005 12:50 pm

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Review of Na-Koja-Abad's "Fleeting Glimpses" record by Paul Jury @ Morpheus Music

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cloudspine - Fri Nov 11, 2005 12:52 pm

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Review of Na-Koja-Abad's "Black Serpent Dreaming: Rites of Passage" record by Philip Derby @ ElectroAmbient Space

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cloudspine - Fri Dec 30, 2005 4:31 am

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I'm currently working on a new solo project, slated for a Spring/Summer 2006 release, featuring deep, meditative drones, ambient washes and fx, and passages of organic, tribal polyrhythms and ethereal soundscapes.

Here's a small image of the front cover art:



Cheers.

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respirator - Mon Mar 27, 2006 1:29 am

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Sometimes things take their time. The Monochrome album is now available from excellent Danish CDR label Organic Pipeline. Please buy to support this label and check out the other releases as well. It's only $6 - so no one is making any money. It's all for your pleasure.

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Andrew Duke - Sat Apr 15, 2006 8:06 am

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Just noticed this, so...
http://andrew-duke.com has graphics of all my releases;
clicking on a graphic will take you to a related page with
sound clips, etc.

Andrew "fightin' the flu" Duke

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Parallel Worlds - Sun May 14, 2006 5:21 am

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Joerg Strawe - CUE Records review of "Existence" cd album:

Elektronik aus Griechenland
Ein weiteres Album von Bakis Sirros aus Griechenland. Er firmiert unter Parallel Worlds und es ist bereits sein drittes Album. Existence lasst bekannte PPG sounds auflebel und kombienert achtziger TD sound mit modernen Klangen. Lasst aber immer wieder traditionelle synthesizer sounds durchklingen. Ein tolles album und nur bei uns erhaltlich. Ein Titel zum probehoren war auf der letzten Schwingungen CD!

btw, there is a mistake in this review: this is my DEBUT album, Not my third...

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DanSad - Thu Aug 03, 2006 2:57 am

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I personally beleive that it could be a real talanted succeful collection done that would be based on kvr member's tracks

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cloudspine - Tue Aug 15, 2006 12:55 am

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Here's a review of my fifth release, Deluvia, by the prominent ambient reviewer and musician Ben Fleury-Steiner:

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cloudspine - Tue Aug 15, 2006 12:58 am

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And a review by Paul Jury of Morpheus Music, surely one of the finest ambient webzines, which also happened to pick Deluvia for one of its "Featured CDs"

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wavephonic - Tue Dec 12, 2006 1:10 am

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hey guys the WAVEphonic CD "satellite jungle" is available at artistlaunch,

http://www.artistlaunch.com/cdmain_2cat.asp?cdid=2432

download in 320kps mp3 format with cd art

http://independentartistscompany.com/dmdcd.aspx?dmdcdid=340651
a mix of ambient soundscapes, some groovin electronica and a couple tracks of guitar motifs with zeoy wielding the axe,
produced by M Ludlam

would appreciate your consideration, thanks

Ed

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cptgone - Wed Dec 13, 2006 2:44 am

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the first "pro" review of "Pussy at the Bottom":
(my translation)



This was published in a free rock & dance mag, RifRaf, they did like my previous album (and compared it to The Orb)

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Parallel Worlds - Wed Dec 13, 2006 2:04 pm

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Review of Parallel Worlds "Insight" cd album on Dagheisha.com, Italian online music mag:

"Le coste del Pireo adombrate dalle esili nuvole di un tramonto autunnale rappresentano l'immaginario decadente descritto dai greci Parallel Worlds. Il fruscio dell'acqua, la sabbia che viene alzata dal vento e la notte che cala inesorabile permeano il loro suono con voluminosa fatiscenza ('Dying Earth'). Mondi paralleli e detriti industriali che si incastrano su traumatologie ambient e sinistri accordi digitali. Battiti perversi ma anche melodie di ampio respiro con riferimenti a situazioni giΰ percorse dai norvegesi The Knife ma anche soluzioni liquide decisamente personali. 'Insight' vi avvolgerΰ in un caldo, umido abbraccio riportandovi alla mente il baratro in cui cadiamo e l'acqua gelida da cui spesso veniamo investiti negli incubi. 'The Past', 'Hollow Minds' e la traccia che dΰ il titolo all'album i pezzi piω disturbanti e corrosivi."
www.dagheisha.com

for whoever speaks italian, that is a very good review i have been told...

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Parallel Worlds - Wed Dec 13, 2006 2:06 pm

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Review of Parallel Worlds "Far Away Light" cd album on Dagheisha.com, Italian online music mag:

"Lontani dalla luce ma non dal cuore. Paradigmi elettronici che si scontrano con le intuizioni geniali della mente di Bakis Siros creatore del progetto Parallel Worlds. Assunti digitali che si frappongono tra teorie di distruzione e contemplazione dell'artistico piacere della rovina. Rispetto al passato la sua musica si θ fatta piω corposa e meno lineare accorpando al suo interno influenze ambient e riferimenti all'elettronica sperimentale della fine degli anni settanta. La suite 'Musique Electronique', 'Dreamstate' e un'immensa title track i mirabili risultati raggiunti da Siros con un album che lo colloca di diritto tra i migliori esponenti di un genere che spesso si perde in uno sguardo eccessivo al futuro non riuscendo a fermarsi e raccontare storie. I tessuti organici di 'Far Away Light' vivono invece di elementi presenti con forza nella nostra coscienza materiale e per questo molto piω capaci di fare sognare e liberare idee. 'Expectations' e 'Fading Memories' lasciano terminare un viaggio che deve rappresentare un passaggio obbligatorio per tutti coloro che amano le escursioni digitali."
www.dagheisha.com

for whoever speaks italian, again, that is a very good review...

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wavephonic - Mon Jan 01, 2007 8:16 am

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thanks to AL for the feature

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Parallel Worlds - Wed Feb 28, 2007 1:11 pm

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PARALLEL WORLDS - "OBSESSIVE SURREALISM" (DiN26)

check out the main/news page of the Synth Music Direct website
(www.synthmusicdirect.com) for comments on my new CD album. (www.din.org.uk)

here are their comments:

"Parallel Worlds / Obsessive Surrealism An amazingly inventive rhythmic / melodic release that sounds quite like nothing I have heard before but is so listenable without any of the too 'difficult' moments that often comes with such inventive releases. This is probably the best release on the DiN label so far. Deserves to be huge. "

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Parallel Worlds - Wed Feb 28, 2007 1:12 pm

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PARALLEL WORLDS - "OBSESSIVE SURREALISM" (DiN26)
www.din.org.uk

check out the main/news page of the Synth Music Direct website
(www.synthmusicdirect.com) for comments on my new CD album.

here are their comments:

"Parallel Worlds / Obsessive Surrealism An amazingly inventive rhythmic / melodic release that sounds quite like nothing I have heard before but is so listenable without any of the too 'difficult' moments that often comes with such inventive releases. This is probably the best release on the DiN label so far. Deserves to be huge. "

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Parallel Worlds - Thu Mar 15, 2007 1:54 pm

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more reactions on the new Parallel Worlds cd album "Obsessive Surrealism" (DiN26), and a full (great) review in italian:

Tom Carpenter (Analogue Solutions):
"...CD it's great! I like atmospheric music and the sounds are great"

Bob Williams (Analogue Systems):
"...definitely your best work to date, ...and all the sound programming is excellent"

Peter Grenader (Plan B):
"It's terrific, ...I really like it."

Mike Brown (Livewire Electronics):
"got the CD yesterday... been listening to it ever since! excellent!"

www.Dagheisha.com (Italian Music webmag):
"Un surrealismo che incentra la propria ricerca sulle infinite potenzialitΰ del Doepfer A100 modular e sulla combinazione tra atmosfere sognanti ispirate all'elettronica analogica e agli anni settanta quanto ai traguardi raggiunti in questi anni dalla musica ambient. 'Obsessive Surrealism' conferma la straordinaria visionarietΰ di un Bakis Sirros sempre piω vincente nella catalogazione delle proprie emozioni e influenze. L'inesorabile e morboso incedere di questo manifesto ossessivo di elettronica moderna trova il suo apice assoluto in 'Different Pathways' e 'Into The Caves Of The Mind' che pitturano in un contesto schematico ma mai freddo la deframmentazione organica di quelle cellule visive con le quali siamo abituati a confrontarci quotidianamente. Nessun confine e nessun limite θ stabilito in tale ricerca anche quando a tratteggiarsi sono 'Pale Yellow Sky' e 'Crying Spells' che si allontanano leggermente dall'imprevedibilitΰ generale per ricordarci che anche le menti piω sperimentali amano sottolineare i propri concetti. Non fatevi scappare l'artwork curato da Progs von Dφn limitato alle prime 1000 copie."

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Parallel Worlds - Fri Mar 16, 2007 11:18 am

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Parallel Worlds - "Obsessive Surrealism" CD review of Synth Music Direct (www.synthmusicdirect.com) :


"Electronic bleeps contrast with a lovely organic piano as 'Beneath Fear' gurgles into life. All manner of sounds fizz and slither around the piano melody- then in comes a sedate but sublime rhythm, ethereal pads sighing over it all. The beats become more aggressive then subside again leaving wonderful contrasting melodies. What an absolutely awesome opener this is: inventive, compelling but also easy to get on with. 'Different Pathways' takes an alternative but equally as effective approach. Strange alien animal sounds mix with a staccato rhythm which literally seems to crack with energy. We then go through a grungy section as if electricity is arcing, escaping from some vast energy source. Subtle lonesome little lead lines roll over the top demanding your attention. Each sound is so precise and covering most areas of the sonic spectrum but at no time is there a sense of clutter. It's as if every single element can be heard and taken in. If anything extra were added it would be too much. If something were removed the track would not be complete. Perfect. 'Empty Human Cells' features melodic stabs over almost growling bass shudders which form a melodic focus all of their own. A deep rhythm purposefully stutters underneath. It's almost as if some awesomely powerful but injured creature is making its way through the darkness. You wouldn't want to meet it! 'Increasing Complexity' has a wonderfully moody five note repeated melody to which another rather sinister lead is added. A gentle rhythm compliments the melodies wonderfully but it's the sounds chosen for the beats that are the most impressive feature- subtle rather than bludgeoning. Even though it's all incredibly beautiful, there is something slightly unsettling about it at the same time.

'Into the Caves of the Mind' uses a repeated three-note melody which slowly rises up, floating through a sea of tinkling percussion. Mean drums crash out like a whip, joined my all manner of other fascinating syncopations- then its all calm again for a few moments. Weird manipulated and scrunched sounds mingle with each other, at one moment trying to meld into harmony then at the next seemingly vying for supremacy. Whip- the drums return. Scratching creeping creatures emerge for 'Interlude', creating quite an eerie atmos. 'Reflective' starts with very moody pads. The drums give a feel of foreboding, a squelchy bass line heightening the tension whilst a lovely little questing melody provides a mysterious contrast. I've heard nothing like this combination of sounds and rhythms before and I'm completely drawn in by it all. 'Mindmists' contains yet another wonderful collage of sounds then piano and gurgling slithering effects. We start to chug along again and there's even mellotron thrown in there adding a further level of mystery. There is an unclutteredness to it all and yet so much is going on that it is just impossible to take it all in. 'Pale Yellow Sky' rumbles into life. And these rumbles are so incredibly deep. Little melodic note droplets fall like water from a carven roof high above. Ticking percussion mixes with the coolest a beats which grab the attention and don't let go.

'Distracted' is initially a riot of bleeps and twittery sounds. Two sequences and a rapid staccato rhythm suddenly propel the track forward and I'm taken with it on the back of the bubbling cauldron of pulsations. Then it's all stop and I'm left in a delightful state of float before the syncopations return and I'm off again. We finish with another rather spooky section, a voice being heard so low in the mix that it is impossible to work out the words. This of course makes it seem even more sinister. 'Crying Spells' has a slow build up, a throbbing pulse and swirling effects very gradually getting louder but never really bursting through. Again it's all so tremendously moody but this time in a brooding understated sort of way.

What an album! File under 'God Knows' or 'Genius', both would be applicable. Truly unique and Very Highly Recommended to anyone who wants to try something that is new but also accessible. (DL) "

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Parallel Worlds - Sun Mar 18, 2007 10:37 am

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Beneath fear:
It has a beautiful mysterious atmosphere evoked by the bubblings and slitherings of sounds. Very nice contrast of dark layers and lighter floating melodies and esotheric choir. It also shows a row of rhythmic peaks, which lift it even more, before it sinks back in an undulating morass of fascinating electronic bubbles and audio slithers.

Different Pathways:
Very strong piece. Starting with dark, hauntisch layers which glide over a bed of sizzles and other pre-mordial sounds out of which a electronic rhythm slips, on which on top several shade-friendly melodic progressions crawl.

Empty Human Cells:
This piece is a haven for subtle experimental electronic percussion almost Frohmader-esque, an erecter of exotic melodies Japan (the group)-like and keeper of the most undescribable watery noises and sounds.

Increasing Complexity:
One could swear to hear the hand of Ian Boddy on the electronic percussion. The whole piece drives on a hazy, short melodie upon which undercurrent other melodies and invigorating percussion walk.

Into the caves of the mind:
Sirros paints with reflective sounds the insight of his own mind. Percussive slabs shoot like electric pulses through these spaces.

Interlude:
The beginning of this track could almost have been the opening music to the dark Tangerine Dream soundtrack The Keep. The same approaching stamp of deep reverberated percussion and accompagnied by distant thunderish roar and strange, camouflaged melodies.

Reflective:
Although the ghost of Depeche Mode hovers above all tracks, it's nowhere so effident as on this track. Fabulous bass stamping, though with a shy character in the end, also the revolving dark talking of sound, occasionally erecting glow and a dark-warm blanket of melody overlaying it without touching. Slight critism: meaby it's a bit too long.

Mindmists:
Tomita-Moogish big ominious sounds rise like prehistoric monsters, along the way choir and mid-tempo rhythm lead it to an intermezzo of which rustic character leads it's to a fade ending.

Pale Yellow Sky:
Listening too this piece, is like walking through a modern city, destination unknown.

Distracted:
Piercing, metalic noises introduce an tempting drum and sequence rhythm with processed wah-wah effect-melodie which all dissapears in a eerie echoing drum-surrealism. I would call this up tempo piece classic Parallel Worlds.

Crying spells:
The closer retakes the eerie echoing drum-surrealism for the final secret.

So, I think it's Parallel Worlds' best album to date!
Some great sounds they made, sometimes reminding of Japan (the group), sometimes even reminding of the great Isao Tomita!

Roel Steverink

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jplanet - Sun Mar 18, 2007 6:15 pm

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Since it's Prog Month around here, perfect time to announce my band's first CD:

Shadow Circus: Welcome to the Freak Room

http://www.shadowcircusmusic.com

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Parallel Worlds - Thu Mar 22, 2007 1:01 am

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A sound wave, dark and droning hops in opening of Beneath Fear. A
variegated
intro, which lets emerge a fine piano melody, stiff in a dense sound
fauna.
This soft tune shares its harmonies with a cloud of tonalities as
varied as
the fear can have its reasons; flutes, whistling synth with the
melodious
set of themes, percussions hopping and jerking in a light and
lugubrious
environment. If the tempo is of equal appearance, it becomes more
implosive
in the end, hammering the rhythm with the force of fear. Interesting?
Of
course! Parallel Worlds, or Greek musician Bakis Sirros, presents a
totally
awesome title in Obsessive Surrealism; the perfect fusion between EM
and
electronica.
A world of rich sound textures and disconcerting tempos, which are
moulded
perfectly to the sound effects and samplings meticulously proportioned
by
Bakis Sirros. This defender of analogical sonorities create thus an
extraordinary effect of richness to juxtaposed dimensions, as in a
parallel
world, which fills with wonder and which changes many data in a musical
world where the sound machines don?t have borders.
This gives additional languorous effects on titles like Different
Pathways
and the aggressive Into the Caves of the Mind where the ingenuous lead
lines
are absorbed by sound effects that propagate an opposite rhythm. An
incredible and subtle moulding, as if my invisible clone would go in
front
of me and absorb me while passing... I mould in him and am his forms.
Completely brilliant. These strokes of genius pullulate on Obsessive
Surrealism, of the avant-gardism publisher DIN Records, which
specializes in
the Contemporary Electronic Music. With its vaporous gas jets, Empty
Human
Cells presents a static intro. Gradually, a circular tempo is install
supported on deform bass and percussive, if not hammering, sound
effects
which flies, whereas environment becomes intriguing, on short symphonic
layers. With a title as striking as Increasing Complexity, we expect an
insane swirl. But we have instead a small islands beat, with
xylophonists
percussions. The beauty of this track is this distortional line of
electronic percussions, which is moulded to a suave and flowing tempo.
A
beautiful throbbing tempo wakes up Reflective senses. Slow, like a
hypnotic
pulsation, a fat and round sequence oscillates through synthetic pads
that
float gently, on a more and more hopping sequence. A strange cascade,
to
strings synths, crosses this bouncing movement which takes a form of
undulating jazz with bewitching layers and very effective percussions.
Whereas Mindmists makes us visit the corridors as deviating as Empty
Human
Cells, with more variances in the rhythms, Pale Yellow Sky is a
beautiful
meeting piano/cello, in a lounge environment of amplified percussions.
Still, the tempo is solitary and is carved around sound effects and
samplings. Aggressive and tasty, Distracted strikes us full whip with a
heavy electronic approach, as if Ramp would have built this movement. A
powerful title which is an absolute synthetic effervescence, in a loud
ambiance, bordering Mark Shreeve and Ramp limits. Still on the upbeat,
Crying Spells has the look of its title. An intense paranoiac bolero,
with
unpleasant choirs on satanic pulsations.

What an opus! From the first to the last key, I was struck by the
musical
approach of Parallel Worlds on Obsessive Surrealism, which gives me the
same
impact as Brian Eno with Nerve Net. Everywhere, samplers and sound
effects
paper the parts length into broad, over sizing the structures, all in
their
giving an artistic depth to the astonishing paradox. Very good, very
refreshing, we perceive the parallelism intrusion with an amazing
subtlety,
signs of a perfect symbiosis. (Rating: 5 out of 6)
AVAILABLE at: http://www.din.org.uk/

http://www.gutsofdarkness.com/god/objet.php?objet=9550
Sylvain from Quebec, Canada
Guts Of Darkness: The French Website of Dark, Ambient & Experimental
Music
http://www.gutsofdarkness.com/

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thomekk - Sun Mar 25, 2007 7:39 pm

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Hey parallel worlds,
I have the feeling that you are spamming this thread

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Parallel Worlds - Sun Mar 25, 2007 11:37 pm

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hello thomekk,
isn't this thread for cd reviews?
best regards,
Bakis.

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thomekk - Mon Mar 26, 2007 2:55 pm

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Hi Bakis,
you're right! This is the place for reviews and you have a lots of them so there's nothing wrong in posting 'em here. Obviously others seem not to have lots of reviews because they don't post 'em here.

cheers,
thom

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Parallel Worlds - Sun Apr 01, 2007 3:38 am

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Artemi Pugachov / Encyclopedia of Electronic Music review (RU):
(www.pugachov.ru/eem)

"What caught my attention first was the title of this new album by Greek synthesist and sound sculptor Bakis Sirros. Now, let's see if there's anything Dali-esque about the music. Dark tones and some bleeps is what we get for a few seconds into "Beneath Fear". Then a moody melodic refrain comes in. It's all rather dramatic, with electronic rhythms and Mellotron choir. This is the moodiest piece I've heard from Bakis so far and in a way it's a progression from his previous, IDM-influenced style. Don't get me wrong, it's still very contemporary sounding, but somehow the mood is different, despite the bass drum that really adds this "techno" element to the music. This is some mysterious and at the same time melancholic music. Not bad at all. "Different Pathways" has a more stiff rhythm and strange effects. There's still that mysterious aura and a somewhat claustrophobic atmosphere that permeates this track. Some of the sounds that Bakis coaxes out of his modular synths are quite unusual and it's clear that he'd spent some days (or nights) just programming the synths, searching for the right sound (isn't EM all about creating sounds?). "Empty Human Cells" introduces a more somber and outright aggressive sound. At this stage the music really starts sounding like the album's title. A strange thing to notice is that the rhythm seems to be somewhat out of sync with the bass line, but it sounds organic and intentional. "Increasing Complexity" starts with deep sine wave bell tones somewhat similar to the sound of an electric piano. Looks like the somber, dark and melancholic mood of this album is set to continue for a while, this time in a more minimalist framing. The track has only got a sparse accompaniment of strange and /or darkish atmospheric sounds and a repetitive structure (which is a bit odd, considering the track's title). "Into the Caves of the Mind" introduces some broken rhythms, while the atmosphere itself refuses to stray from the mysterious and, once again, somewhat claustrophobic. It's like the world has collapsed and there's only here and now - the singularity of sound. As if it was not enough, "Interlude" is even deeper and darker, approaching the territory of the darker forms of Ambient. Great, simply great stuff! "Reflective" brings in more cosmic elements; at least that's how it sounded to my ears. It's also one of the more Techno-influenced tracks here. As someone who doesn't like Techno music, I found most of it a bit hard going, but I still liked the mood of this track and most of the supporting textures. "Mindmists" sounds like a title for an atmospheric track. Indeed, this is deep stuff, with dark piano notes and mucho mutating, experimental synth timbres. Another attraction of this track is the appearance of Mellotron strings (I think it's the first time they are heard on "Obsessive Surrealism"). "Pale Yellow Sky" has close to none of the darker shades present on most of the tracks, but the sense of mystery is still the focal point of this number. I really like the strings / pads arrangements of this one. "Distracted" is somewhat jarring, with its noisy textures and strident bass lines. Looks like it's the most upbeat track on the album. It's also one of those techno-ish numbers, but it beats most of what's sold as Techno or Trance to dust! Very interesting music with some tasty synth sounds. "Crying Spells" has a marching bass line that sounds like a procession heading straight into a hell hole! All the dark synth sounds, all the noisy injections make this track a real winner. Overall, Bakis presents quite stark (and decidedly electronic) music on this release. I mean, it's all grey. No other colors, just grey, mostly of the darker scales. There's hardly a bright section to be heard. The music is imbued in melancholy, mystery and claustrophobia. Going back to the title, there's a certain "manic" or "obsessive" feeling about most of this album, but "surrealism"? Hmm... I guess if Dali lived in an isolation tank that flew through cosmic void, then perhaps his paintings could have been the visual equivalent of the music presented here. A very interesting release on the DiN label and highly recommended for fans of contemporary EM and for those who simply want to hear something a bit different."



Steve Farley (Sonic Vibrations Radio show, Winsconsin Public Radio, US)
(www.wpr.org/regions/lax)

"...I love it, can't wait to air it. All the reviewers, who had positive comments on it, were right on..."
"...Been listening to Obsessive Surrealism all day. Man, I'm very impressed. Many thoughts are going through my mind as I'm digesting the music..."

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Parallel Worlds - Wed Apr 11, 2007 5:32 am

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here is the Review of "Obsessive Surrealism" from e/i magazine:

"Drama, melodrama, psychodrama. Those states imbue the syllabus Greek
electronician Bakis Sirros, operating under the nom de disque
Parallel Worlds, has chosen as his dictum for Obsessive Surrealism,
instructing us from out of the darker amphitheaters of the Berlin
school, window blinds drawn tight. Well, perhaps 'Berlin school'
isn't the best appellation to use here. Sirros makes sounds that seem
perfectly happy at play in the fields of the lords synth and
sequencer, but what actually grunts and growls its way across the
battered landscape reveals something of a distinctly modern Modular
mind. Titles such as 'Beneath Fear,' 'Empty Human Cells,' and
'Into
the Caves of the Mind' connote a far more Freudian preoccupation with
altered consciousness than the average dessicated Krautrock hippy.
Fixating on feral pinging resonances, moody nomenclature, and the
noises emitted by scuttling tiny electronic beasties going bump in
the night, Obsessive Surrealism acts like the monkey wrench thrown in
the machinery of B.S. (double entendrι intentional, folks). To wit:
'Increasing Complexity' is all prescience and poise, muddied pulses
wafting in a nocturnal thrush of chimes and argumentative insect
chatter, something of a respite from the terminator synth-tug that
envelopes 'Empty Human Cells,' which is about as exhilaratingly
scary
as the descriptor suggests. Sirros is no doubt attuned to the fact
that space is indeed the place. But it's inner space, though, those
strange little areas in the ducts of the mind that fascinates him
most, that lead directly to the malevolent monoliths of buzz, gurgle
and drift set into motion on 'Reflective.' Yes, there's some
abject
dread here in these synthetic surrealities, as if Sirros OD'ed on a
surfeit of Philip K. Dick and 70s Harlan Ellison spec-fiction; 'Pale
Yellow Sky' is a compelling enough experience in and of itself,
curling noises eddying in and out of shimmering black vacuums that
have no mouth yet must scream. The tension here is palpable, the
music's edges serrated, pitted. This ain't your usual pixie
grinnin'
to the cosmos kind of thing, which is why time might paint Obsessive
Surrealism as a minor masterpiece of the (anti)genre."

Darren Bergstein
http://www.ei-mag.com/verite0004.php

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verstaerker - Mon Apr 16, 2007 1:53 am

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today is the day

the new verstaerker Album "Analogien" is available


It contains Tracks from 2005/6, which predominantly developed with analogue equipment. A Korg Monopoly and a SCI prophet 1 played the basic roles. Heavy bassdrums and distorted basses providing pressure. The whole is surrounded by mystic soundcollages in a minimal garb and provides alternation for the listener. 10 tracks and 78:30 min play time.
The album for couch and dancefloor!

www.bodyfunk.de
www.verstaeker-music.net

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Parallel Worlds - Mon Apr 16, 2007 12:54 pm

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"Obsessive Surrealism" by Parallel Worlds DiN26
Review of Sonic Curiosity magazine - Matt Howarth:

"This release from 2007 offers 63 minutes of haunting electronic music.
Languid electronics laced with haunting harmonics generate melodies supported by understated e-perc of a bubbling nature. Keyboards provide dreamy chords that are supported by airy textures which exhibit a nocturnal flair. The electronics are generally lighthearted and breezy; even the periodic denser tonalities bear a soft sonic caress.

A subtle illbient quality lies buried in this tuneage, but it is not prominent enough to disrupt the overall heavenly nature with any substantial edginess. This glitchy seasoning is carefully implanted in the music in a manner that is almost subliminal, enhancing the tuneage with a ghostly charge, crackling in a fashion that is sedate and unintrusive. This fusion of contemporary EM and crackling techno gives the music a highly intriguing sound that is quite appealing.

The rhythms are equally soothing, providing a calm propulsion rather than a driving beat presence. Some of the tempos gurgle as if resounding from underwater or perhaps deep inside a cloud of glutinous gas. It's almost as if the percussives were generated by organic machinery.

These compositions display a distinctly celestial quality, ethereal yet sturdily crafted with body. The melodies consist of keyboards thriving in a textural medium, gentle riffs surrounded by cottony expanses of bewitching disposition."
www.soniccuriosity.com/sc298.htm

review of Howard Moscovitz - www.electro-music.com :
"This is an excellent CD in the genre of what some would call Space Music. Parrallel Worlds is big into the vintage analog sounds, but the music is fresh. You can relax with this music and let it carry you away, but it is still interesting. If you like Space Music and/or Soundscapes, you will enjoy this CD." (5/5 stars)

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Parallel Worlds - Thu Apr 19, 2007 2:35 am

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review of the new album from the Synthtopia website (http://www.synthtopia.com/content/2007/04/18/parallel-worlds-obsessive-surrealism/#more-3022 ):

"Obsessive Surrealism, the latest CD by Parallel Worlds, is a synth lover's dream.

The release is the fourth CD by Parallel Worlds, the first on the DIN label. We've been impressed by previous DIN releases, and Obsessive Surrealism is no exception. The CD is a dense blend of very electronic-sounding elements with very organic-sounding ones.

Parallel Worlds is the performing name for Greek musician Bakis Sirros. He's been active in the Greek music scene for about 10 years, and has performed at a variety of electronic music events. He's also collaborated with other musicians on other projects, including Interconnected (IDM) and Memory Geist (ambient/experimental).

Bakis' music on this CD emphasisizes synthesis, using electronic gear and software to create new sounds and effects. His music is melodic and is very effective at creating various moods, but what really sets it apart is Bakis' creative sound work.

Bakis puts a huge variety of gear to use, including: Doepfer A100 modular, Analogue Systems RS-Integrator modular, Technosaurus System D modular, modified EMS VCS-3 x2), ARP 2600, Odyssey, Roland System 100, System 100m, modified Oberheim 2-voice, Korg MS50, MS20, SQ10, Trident, PE1000, Analogue Solutions Concussor modular, modified TR606, Nord modular, JP8000, Microwave XT, MS2000R, S750, Emax 2, Korg ES1, Roland Space Echo, Korg SE500 and additional sound manipulators.

While this is an impressive gear list, Bakis appears to be most interested in wringing the most out of traditional synthesis. As a result, the music doesn't sound like the result of intense studio editing, but more like he's captured studio performances.

The music itself is pure synth music, leaning towards the dark ambient. It shares some elements with synth artists of the 70's, but also with the work of contemporary synth music masters, like Robert Rich and Ian Boddy. The pieces are relatively short soundscapes that emphasize sequenced elements, along with synth-strings, "vocal" pads and quirky glitch percussion effects.

In addition to the creative sound design, Bakis makes very effective use of stereo space; listening to the CD on a set of monitors revealed the depth of the music's range, while listening on earbuds highlighted a lot of creative stereo effects.

One of the highlights of the CD is the track Increasing Complexity. At its heart, it's a simple melodic sequence on piano. Bakis treats the piano so that it's muted and bathed in reverb, giving it an distant, underwater sound reminiscent of the piano effects on Brian Eno & Harold Budd's collaborations. Over this, Bakis layers strange echoing birdlike noises, synthesized percussion effects, a sequenced bassline and evolving synth pads, building the piece to a dense jungle of sound. By the end, the piano fragment that holds things together has almost disappeared, leaving just the organic synth effects.

Another great track is Pale Yellow Sky. Like Increasing Complexity, the track uses a minimal melodic fragment as a framework for organizing a collection of uneasy sounds. Halfway through the track, the music dies down to almost nothing, focusing your attention on water-drip percussive effects, before building up again. Towards the end of the track, the melodic elements die out, leaving just drones, effects and ambience. Throughout,
Bakis frequently shifts the focus of the music from background to foreground and back, highlighting the layers of creativity in the mix.

Parallel Worlds' Obsessive Surrealism is full of very original sound design, but also makes effective use of synth music staples like sequences, synth-strings and vocal pads. The combination draws you quickly into the pieces, where the depth of the music's quirkiness slowly reveals itself. Highly recommended."

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Parallel Worlds - Tue May 01, 2007 2:08 pm

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Parallel Worlds - Obsessive Surrealism Review from Industrie-Musik.de :

"Rezension:
Gleich vorweg: hier geht's nicht um Clubtauglichen Industrial, oder Szenegerechten Gothic. Macht aber nix, es geht um gute, eigenständige, elektronische Ambient Musik aus Griechenland. Bakis Sirros, aka Parallel Worlds schickt einen mit Obsessive Surrealism mit 11 Tracks für knapp eine Stunde in eine andere Dimension.

Die Tracks bieten reichlich Abwechslung, pflegen dabei aber dennoch alle den gleichen Stiel: Sanfte Synthflächen bilden einen weichen Teppich, über die sich einfache träumerische Melodien, und vor allem zahlreiche rhythmische Effekt- und Perkussionssounds legen. Mal zwitscherts, mal klirrts..
Im gesamten gibt sich ein schön melancholischer, atmosphärischer Sound, bei dem es viel zu entdecken gibt. Ideal zum relaxen, aber auch zum konzentriert hinhören. Ganz weghören ist mir jedenfalls nicht gelungen. Nach dem Motto „alternating between darkness and light" gibt sich die Stimmung manchmal positiv, und manchmal schön düster, klingt aber stets auf eine interessante Weise fremdartig.
Richtig zur Sache geht's nie, es ist eben Ambient. Am meisten dreht da noch Track 10 - Distracted auf, der sich ein wenig aggressiver gibt als der Rest der Scheibe.
Auf Gesang wird gänzlich verzichtet.

Vielleicht muss man ein wenig Synthfreak sein, damit einem ein so ausgefuchstes Sounddesign gefällt. Ein Blick in die Innenseite des Covers verrät auch gleich, dass die Musik von einem Solchen kommt: Ein Foto von einem Großen Modularschrank mit Leuchtenden LEDs (Borgschiff lässt grüßen), sowie eine Satte Liste mit „Selected Equipment" zeugen davon.

Fazit:
Soundscapes vom feinsten. " 5 out of 5 stars.

Britzel - www.industrie-musik.de

http://www.industrie-musik.de/index.php?c=review&id=740

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Parallel Worlds - Mon May 07, 2007 10:28 am

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Parallel Worlds - Obsessive Surrealism (DiN26) cd review:
"Dear Bakis,
at the weekend I finally found the time to listen to your new CD
unhurriedly.
I'm very impressed and I heard the CD three times, some pieces even more. It
is by far your best album and you will have problems to top it in the future
. And believe me: I don't say it because I want to ingratiate as the
A-100 is mentioned and used. It is really a masterpiece of music but not
only of "sounds" (many of the CDs I obtain from other musicians include
excellent sounds - but miss musicality, your new album has definitely both)!
When I close my eyes I find myself flying in a spacecraft over a dark,
forbidden planet in an unknown solar system. I really love the mood that
that is generated by this music and - as already mentioned by others - it
would be an excellent movie soundtrack for a Carpenter film. My favoured
tracks are Beneath Fear, Interlude, Reflective (I think this is my favourite
at the moment), Distracted and Crying Spells. In any case the album will
obtain a place of honour in my CD collection.

Thank you for this music."

Dieter (Doepfer Musikelektronik - www.doepfer.de)

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Parallel Worlds - Fri May 11, 2007 4:25 am

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a great Greek review of "Obsessive Surrealism" cd from the greek music webmag MIC:
for a few words on the cd, scroll down in this page: www.mic.gr (reffering to the album as "...the most exciting listening of this year...")

and the link with the extensive full album review:
http://www.mic.gr/cds.asp?id=13378

it would require much time for me to traslate the whole review in english, but the bottom line is that:
"this album is a point of reference for greek electronica and also... one of the most important albums (from a greek artist) of the current decade..."
review rating: 8.5 out of 10

thank you
Bakis.

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Parallel Worlds - Sun May 13, 2007 1:09 am

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Parallel Worlds - "Obsessive Surrealism" DiN26 cd review from AMG (All Music Guide):

"It's a distinctly odd place, Parallel Worlds, a universe Bakis Sirros has been building up over a series of intriguing albums. Obsessive Surrealism is his Worlds' fourth, and once again we are invited into the dark recesses, but of what and where precisely?

The aural landscapes are not really dystopian, although they're all far from anything one could describe as pleasant.

One begins by walking into a world "Beneath Fear" taking "Different Pathways" through the musical maze. Both numbers induce a somewhat clammy feel, a reflection perhaps of the cool dampness of this underground world, or maybe just a primordial reactive nervousness to the unknown.

In either case, it the numbers intended to heighten this sense of disquietude, they certainly succeed. The vistas are totally alien, the rhythms often discomforting, the atmospheres quivering with a sense of foreboding, the melody lines brooding at best, gloomy at worse. Strange noises intrude from the shadows, and there always seems to be something skittering around busily in the darkest corners of the pieces.

One imagines the many sci-fi plots involving humans walking unnoticed through strange worlds, while all around them exotic creatures scurry about performing inexplicable tasks. The explorers' initial fear gradually dampen, but never quite dissipate, as wonder and curiosity arises in its stead.

Sirros is the master of this mood, his rhythms, often slightly askew, keep listeners off-balance, his simple melody lines are equally off center, teetering between light and dark, increasing

one's sense of insecurity, while the gloomy atmospheres heighten the tension. "Into the Caves of the Mind", for instance, is a master work whose center is totally askew, and "Increasing Complexity" shows how it's done, as Sirros takes a simple, pretty keyboard melody and slowly builds it sequential block by block into a thoroughly haunting number.

The richer sounds of "Reflective" is like a distorted infinity mirror, with a million lights looking into darkness.

"Empty Human Cells" is more rhythmic in orientation and thoroughly creepy in feel, while "Distracted", the set's only compulsive, driving piece, is a manic ride through the netherworld.

But for all its alien feeling, the track titles suggest this bizarre world is not to be found in a galaxy far, far away, but within the mind of a human nearly as unknowable. A chilling adventure in every sense of that word."
(Rating: 4.5 out of 5)

All Music Guide / Jo-An Greene
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:fzftxzl5ldde

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Parallel Worlds - Wed May 23, 2007 3:37 am

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CUE Records(Germany) review of

Parallel Worlds - "Obsessive Surrealism" DiN26 cd album:



"Hinter Parallel Worlds verbirgt sich der griechische Musiker Charalambos Sirros, der hier nun schon sein viertes Album vorstellt. Er zieht alle Register der EM. Aber man erkennt seine Reife. Absolut das Beste, was er bisher gemacht hat. Mal melodiös, mal melancholisch. Aber die Synthiesounds stehen immer im Vordergrund."

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Parallel Worlds - Mon May 28, 2007 1:19 pm

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Parallel Worlds "Obsessive Surrealism" (DiN26) cd review by Electroambientspace

(www.DiN.org.uk, 2007)

11 tracks, 63.27 mins


Greek musician Bakis Sirros is Parallel Worlds, and his Obsessive Surrealism album is an experimental work that is perfectly wedded to Ian Boddy's DiN label, ambient electronica that pushes the sonic envelope. "Beneath Fear" percolates with restrained aggression as light bass, beats and electronics come together sneakily in a vaguely sinister fashion. The mood reminds me much of UK favorite Node, known for their dark take on Berlin school. Though retro fans should enjoy the mellotron choirs in the opening track, Bakis' music covers a variety of electronic territory. For example, "Into the Caves of the Mind" veers into dark industrial ambient like Bill Leeb and Rhys Fulber's Synaesthesia project. "Empty Human Cells" is representative of the offerings, highly synthesized processed sounds that are uniquely assembled into tightly arranged adventurous compositions. "Interlude" gurgles and churns its way along. Bass and beats figure prominently in several tracks, such as "Reflective." Though it all has an edge to it, the music has a surprising accessibility as well. Still, the tone remains murky throughout much of it, typified by "Mindmists" as it ambles forward. A notable exception is the energetic number "Distracted" before the melancholy atmospheric "Crying Spells" brings the disc to a close. Recommended.


© 2007 Phil Derby / Electroambient Space

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emdot_ambient - Wed May 30, 2007 7:38 am

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Well, in light of Parallel World's numerous posts here . . .

Maybe people won't notice that I've posted this announcement two other places in KVR:

The first single from Granville's second CD, a song called Evening Trains, has been released on the Granville MySpace page.

Aside from mixing, mastering, and a lot of audio track manipulation (which hopefully isn't really very obvious) I did the drums on this in Battery 2 and the string synth with Benedict's Janus synth (from the Synth Studio Pack I).

Anyone familiar with my work will quickly realize this isn't my normal style. But I've worked in rock formats before and have been a close collaborator with Granville (aka Brian Myers) for longer than a lot of you have been on this once green earth.

Please drop over for a visit and if you like, I'm sure Granville would like a few more friends!

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Parallel Worlds - Fri Jun 08, 2007 10:07 am

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Parallel Worlds - "Obsessive surrealism (DiN26) cd album

review from Morpheus music (www.morpheusmusic.co.uk ):

"STYLE: Moody electronica with strong structures and deep atmospheric backdrops. Obsessive Surrealism delivers eleven melodic synthesiser tracks where low key beats or driving electro-grooves propel shadowy compositions with periodic hints of exposed Berlin roots. Rhythmic sequencer patterns work in tandem with programmed percussion to give most pieces a clearly measured pace, that said, the grooves often break down into fluttering interludes or textural ambient explorations. Parallel Worlds makes abundant use of analogue hardware to create a sound that harks back to the electronica of previous decades whilst set within a twenty first century context. The melodic content is understated, sometimes carried by drifting chord progressions; sometimes dimly lit phrases shot through with percolating, flickering sequences.

MOOD: The range of synthetic sound here is broad, inventive and engrossing; the style also quite varied from track to track - yet the whole album is very coherent, establishing a well thought out sonic environment. There is a fairly consistent shadow hanging over most of this album - low light technology and mysterious spaciness combining into sinewy, ominous themes. The beats at their most strident produce an engine-like drive, a dramatic futuristic regularity, almost militaristic - but frequently these are allowed to break down or disperse into lighter rhythms or even into beatless expanse

ARTWORK: An abstract image that looks something like a photograph taken from a TV screen fills three panels of this package - thin horizontal bands of blue, red and green form dark geometric shapes - on the front a narrow white vertical strip holds the titles and the DiN catalogue numeral 26. On the reverse a broader strip of white holds track titles and their timings as well as informing listeners that this is a limited edition of 1000 copies only. Inside the two leaf booklet opens out to reveal a bank of sound gear illuminated by small rows of lights, meters and glowing digits. Facing this large image, the remaining inner panel is again white with black text in a simple font - a repeated track list, credits and thanks along with a gear list of 'selected equipment'.

OVERALL: Parallel Worlds is primarily the project of Greek musician Bakis Sirros, although collaborators occasionally lend their talents to the name. Here Obsessive Surrealism is appropriately presented via Ian Boddy's DiN label - the experimental, slightly ambient approach to pure electronica fitting nicely into the label's catalogue. Promotional material explains that "Parallel Worlds use mostly Hardware machines. Mainly huge Analogue Modular systems and Analogue Step Sequencers of the past and present combined with digital FM and virtual analogue synths and sampling". This love of gear is evident in the soundscaping of the music - in addition to the emotive nature of the compositions themselves, there is a clear delight in sound sculpture and sonic layering - clearly a lot of time has gone into the production of this album. Bakis Sirros is also behind the new IDM/electronica project Interconnected with Ingo Zobel (of DRON, Signalform, Self Oscillate, Datasette) and the Ambient / experimental project called Memory Geist with Steve Law (of Zen Paradox, Starseed Transmission, Guild Of Fire, etc.).

WHO WILL LIKE THIS ALBUM: Obsessive Surrealism will likely please DiN regulars as well as fans of evolving Berlin school electronica. Go for this one if you enjoy moody synthetics with clear beats and ambient cloudscapes"

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review from MusikZirkus-magazin.de (www.musikzirkus-magazin.de) :

"Parallel Worlds ist der Projektname des Griechen Bakis Sirros. Auf seinem 63minütigen aktuellen Album „Obsessive Surrealism" befinden sich elf Ambienttracks. Bakis hat die einzelnen Tracks mit Ausnahme von „Distracted", dass er zusammen mit John Sirros (seinem Bruder?) gemacht hat, zwischen 2002 und 2006 komponiert.

Die Musik von Bakis weist ungewöhnliche Klangfarben auf. Sehr schöne Harmonielinien werden von Rhythmussequenzen und Klangeffekten durchzogen, was eine Mixtur aus Ambient, atmosphärischen Soundscapes, modernen Electronica-Elementen mit einem Hauch von 70'er Jahre-Feeling und Electropop der 80'er darstellt. Im weitesten Sinne könnten Parallelen zu Wolfram Spyra gezogen werden, aber wirklich nur im allerweitesten Sinne. Es ist schwer diese Musik einzuordnen, dazu klingt sie zu eigenständig und anders. Der Hörer wird eine neue, faszinierende Klangwelt entdecken, zumindest mir erging es so.

Mal klingt das sehr harmonisch wie im Opener „Beneath Fear", dann etwas düster und technisch wie in „Different Pathways". „Empty Human Cells" klingt wieder technisch aber durch Sounds, die an Wasser /Flüssigkeit erinnern, irgendwie organisch. Sehr sanft entführt einen „Increasing Compexity" in einen anderen Klangkosmos, in den man sich völlig verlieren kann. Zwar ist „Reflective" durch unterschiedliche Sounds sehr abwechslungsreich, doch weist es eine gewisse Monotonie auf. Und „Distracted" ist ein Track, der mitreißt, weil er eine sehr schöne Melodielinie aufweist und diese über weite Strecken mit tanzbare, technoartigen Rhythmen verbindet. Der letzte Track „Crying Spells" ist wieder sehr monoton und überzeugt mich nicht. Schade, eigentlich sollte der letzte Track einer CD noch mal Appetit auf die Repeat-Taste machen.

Mit „Obsessie Surrealism" ist Bakis eine sehr schöne, außergewöhnliche Ambientplatte gelungen, bei der er mit unterschiedlichen Rhythmussequenzen arbeitet. Für mich ist Parallel Worlds eine echte Entdeckung. "

Stephan Schelle, Juni 2007

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NPerez - Sun Jun 10, 2007 5:22 pm

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Parallel Worlds needs his own thread

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jerrobin - Mon Jun 11, 2007 1:20 pm

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'was it for this...?'

Available by clicking on the image of me looking windswept and bereft outside a Cardiff B&B (at myspace/jerrobin)

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thomekk - Wed Jun 13, 2007 5:53 am

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Seriously, maybe one of the mods could think of any change here?
To me is it the "members releases" thread NOT "realeases reviews"!
So maybe a second thread for artists reviews would be great, until that I also think Parallel Worlds needs to have an own thread!

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Parallel Worlds - Mon Sep 03, 2007 12:30 pm

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hello,
hoping that you can tolerate this...
(sorry, but i do not see any other KVR thread for posting reviews...)


new review by Bert Strolenberg (former journalist of E-dition magazine):

Parallel Worlds - Obsessive Surrealism

CD, DiN Records, 2007

"Obsessive Surrealism" is the fourth full-length release of musician Bakis Sirros aka Parallel Worlds, one continuing the path of innovative dreamy atmospheric electronics since he started his music project in 1998. In a way he again succeeded in surprising me as Bakis reaches new heights with the eleven tracks featured on the album. The combination of fat sounds from his big analogue modulars and step sequencers with the output of modern electronic gear has worked out very well this time. There's a beautiful sense of warmth and melancholy to be felt throughout the whole album, especially in the intimate sound sculptures of the opening track "Beneath Fear", the soft lingering of "Increasing Complexity" or the dense realms of "Reflective". And although these 60 minutes of music as such may not be that easy or accessible at times ("Into the Caves of the Mind" is delving just a bit to deep for me), the emotional contents is always there or to be noticed just beneath the surface. But only if you have an open mind towards this kind of music and allow your ears to hear its deeper level. Nice going Bakis!

Bert Strolenberg

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aieda_cin - Sun Sep 09, 2007 11:33 pm

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I have written the music for five songs on 'the moon whispers' new album 'dance your pain away'

you can also find a wonderful dnb band called the upbeats doing a collaboration with elisa di napoli in their, and the wonderful and world famous in KVR Donkey T making an appearance on guitar in the first track.

go to www.myspace.com/themoonwhispers - you can also listen to a few tracks off the album their too!!!

and send elisa a message if you want a CD... I think the cost is 20NZD's + postage.... otherwise I think you can get it through itunes, powertool records, cdbaby etc....

it's a bloody great CD. I'm proud to have been a part of it.

I hope you enjoy!

[/img]

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hoffy - Mon Sep 10, 2007 12:15 am

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Here's my review of Parallel worlds:

"After reading 10,000 reviews on Parallel Worlds (Fact: There are more reviews of this CD on the internet than jpegs), i decided i never wanted to listen to it ever. YMMV"

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MacZero - Sun Oct 14, 2007 4:43 am

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Hey guys. I sent in a tune to Future Music Magazine (the reader demo's section) and scored the "top demo" in this month's issue (FM193). They did a little half page write-up and the track is on the DVD too. They gave me a new pair of monitors as a prize, so I'm pretty stoked!

I have a scan of the write up on my myspaz, in the pics section: www.myspace.com/taumuon

cheers.

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Parallel Worlds - Sun Oct 14, 2007 5:02 am

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congrats!

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lougaioto - Fri Oct 19, 2007 2:58 pm

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removed

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whiteaxxxe - Sat Oct 27, 2007 2:50 pm

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we have now complete CDs for free downloads at http://www.mp3-netlabel.de

like some other bands, we ask the downloaders to pay what they like to pay ... the CDs can be bought to, then the seller has the right to resell them. we woukld like to have some opinions regarding this kind of music-marketing.

for example:

White-X-Blues-Band - For Personal Information Only

White-X-Blues-Band - The Barn, The Acres And The Woman

we would appreciate someone write a review of this ones.


second thing is:

and we are proud to be on position 2 on Neil Youngs LIVING WITH WAR TODAY with White-X-Blues-Band - Are You Allowed To (murder - abuse - lie)

this is the link where you can hear the song:

http://neilyoung.com./lwwtoday/songslinks/songlink_2174.html


because of the drama in myanmar, we have some cds given free to download and ask for a donation, which is send directly to givetoburma.org.

thanks for having your attention.

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Parallel Worlds - Sat Nov 10, 2007 1:45 am

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ok, stay calm now...

hello,

there is a new Great review of "Obsessive Surrealism" (DiN26) cd album on the CUEMIX magazine website:

http://www.cuemix-magazine.com/cuemix/inhalt.php?image=560

thanks much,
Bakis.

here is the full review text:
" Obsessive Surrealism is the new album by Parallel Worlds. An outstanding deep album with a multilayered structure. With each note of each track you'll enter deeper and deeper the "parallel worlds". Bridging between classic electronic in the spirit of Tangerine Dream music and modern IDM artists this album sets a new benchmark. The use of analogue equipment gives this album nonesuch warmth that captures the listener. But don't get me wrong this album doesn't sound "retro" or repeats the past; it keeps the faith in the roots of electronic music and opens the door into a new world of experimental music. The complex arrangements disperse a claustrophobic AND a snug feeling at once. This is intelligent song writing..

Right from the first notes of this album you have the feeling that you become a part of something special…. Maybe an obsessive Surrealism!

A great album, inimitable! Perfect 10 ++ "

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Parallel Worlds - Mon Nov 19, 2007 3:32 pm

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Memory Geist - "Funereal Cavern" review:

"It is always nice when two great Ambient artists collaborate on a project, especially when the result is a massive, dark soundscape. Listening to the first track called "Shadowy Periphery", I am reminded of the best works in the genre, from Lustmord to Robert Rich and the darkest Steve Roach. Excellent, low resonating sounds might be a classic formula but here it works 100%. Like most Dark Ambient, this is music to be experienced - heard, felt, whatever. But not to be described, as there's no real melody and no rhythm. Track two starts in a similar matter, with long sheets of resonating bass and distant synth strings. I am reminded a bit on Invisible Connections from Vangelis. It has the same feel to it, although it's much more intense. The combination of Steve's textures and Bakis' deep analogue sounds really works well here. The title track begins with what sounds like an imitation of dropping water. Soon dark textures and echoing resonances completely take over, and, surp!
risingly, one can also hear a distorted, clanging sequence of sorts, although it remains in the distance, never coming to the fore. The guys have really managed to capture the atmosphere of a deep, dark cavern, with its shadowy corners and resonating chambers. By the way, "shadowy" would be a nice description of this album. It's not pitch-black like some other Dark Ambient albums are. It's more like a combination of massive darkness and brief glimpses of light and everything in-between. This last track has so many different shades of sound that I could hardly describe them all. Let's say that it's rich ambient music, pure sonic ecstasy. Finally, as the album progresses toward its final chords, the sound becomes brighter and more emotional, while at the very end we get low bass rumbles and metallic resonance. I recommend this album as one of the most successful Ambient releases of late."

Artemi Pugachov - Encyclopedia of Electronic Music (www.pugachov.ru/eem)

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Parallel Worlds - Sun Nov 25, 2007 3:14 am

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Hello all, (please bare with me...)

There is a new great review of "Obsessive Surrealism" (DiN26) cd album here:
http://www.seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=5884

here is just the final verdict:

"...Sirros' mastery of sound-sculpt and sample-shape isn't likely to be replicated in any release from that genre. In all, Obsessive Surrealism is the most exciting electronic release of 2007. "

Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Elias Granillo / Sea of tranquility

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Sasha_Ponkratov - Tue Nov 27, 2007 2:51 am

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[puls02] Sasha Ponkratov - Kaleidoscope



Just released EP with my music on russian netlable "Pulsations For You".
It's a kind of jazzy soundtrack music... Enjoy=)

http://www.archive.org/details/puls02
http://pulsations-for-you.ru/puls02.html

some comments:
http://radio87mhz.wordpress.com/2007/11/24/sasha-ponkratov-kaleidoscope/
http://blog.goo.ne.jp/warp50cd/e/d0f019fe65933abdc4cb67a17b9b17a7
http://www.em411.com/show/release/3314
http://www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=197637

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plunge - Wed Nov 28, 2007 11:11 pm

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Plunge, er, Jeff Caylor Voted #5 Christian CD of 2007!

Hey friends, just a note to say that I somehow managed to get my little project onto a "Best of 2007" list with a pretty major Christian web site. I'm not sure how many of the bands you'll recognize in the list, but I'm guessing at least a couple, even if you're not up on the Christian Music genre.

http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/reviews/2007/2007bestof.html

Crack open your favorite hard or soft drink and celebrate with me. One or two of the tracks were first debuted on the monthly contest here at KVR.

Peace out!

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Parallel Worlds - Thu Nov 29, 2007 12:38 pm

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Memory Geist "Funereal Cavern" cd album Review:

(www.musicamaximamagnetica.com, 2007)

3 tracks, 59.54 mins



As the name implies, Funereal Cavern is indeed mournful dark ambient music. Lest anyone doubt that ambient has worldwide appeal, this disc comes from the duo of Bakis Sirros from Greece and Steve Law from Australia, released by an Italian independent label. At just under eight minutes, "Shadowy Periphery" is the pop single of the set (he said facetiously), a brooding mass of ominous swirling sounds that take us right into the depths from the get-go. There is no melody, no rhythm, and no light for that matter. Something like bells and distant clanging add a little bit of form to it in the middle, but it is largely a floating affair. It's not quite like the benchmark of dark ambient, Robert Rich and Lustmord's Stalker, but it certainly lies in close sonic proximity to it, if a bit more free-flowing in nature. Also, there are times in "Deepest Reaches" where something approaching more traditional space music happens now and again, if only briefly. Mostly, though, it is metallic drones ringing seemingly into infinity. This brings us to the 32-minute title track, an expansive piece reminiscent of parts of Steve Roach's The Magnificent Void with its sense of vastness. There are warmer softer edges here and there to keep things from becoming too overly bleak. If you like exploring the deep crevasses, dive into Funereal Cavern.



© 2007 Phil Derby / Electroambient Space

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cloudspine - Tue Dec 04, 2007 4:35 am

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A review of Na-Koja-Abad's Dreamfall: Veils and Visions release by Phil Derby of Electroambient Space

*****
We'll get to the music on the latest release from Na-Koja-Abad in a moment, but first the intricate packaging must be appreciated. His music has always been organic, conjuring images of brown and green, perhaps dark forests or even jungles. This disc takes that imagery and turns it into reality, as pressed leaves are carefully laid in the bed of the clear jewel case. A twig runs the length of the spine, visible even when the case is closed. I can only imagine the care and effort that went into putting each single package together. Also included is a booklet with a mysterious dark tale. The ambient music within is as delicate as the packaging, subtly meandering slowly through the darkness. My favorite is the middle track, "Devouring the Sky," a dark haunter with softly trickling water, deep drones, and primitive drums. Expansive at first, like Steve Roach's The Magnificent Void, the drums assert themselves in the latter third of the lengthy piece, dominating without overwhelming. Max Corbacho guests on this one. The previous track, "Traversing the Dusk," opens with low rumbles, chirping birds, and a mournful male vocal, which I could have done without but it does sort of fit with the tribal, organic sounds. The latter half, in particular, reminds me of Steve Roach from around the time of World's Edge and Artifacts. "Garden of the Ineffable" is the closer, 10 minutes of similarly dark textural primordial goodness.
*****

More info:
Na-Koja-Abad
Dreamfall on Blue Water Records

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cloudspine - Tue Dec 04, 2007 4:37 am

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A review of Na-Koja-Abad's Dreamfall: Veils and Visions release by Bill Binkelman of Wind and Wire Magazine, which will soon relaunch, reportedly.

*****
Few subgenres of ambient have a greater ability to transport the listener than ethno-tribal when performed/recorded by an artist who knows what he/she is doing. I recall listening to albums such as Soma or Rainforest or more recent releases, e.g. The Shaman's Dream or Moontribe and thinking how unlike any other type of ambient music they were. I would feel whisked away to caverns, dank and dark, or to humid landscapes where strange creatures lurked in the lush underbrush lit by campfires and populated by ancient peoples who practiced ceremonies of power and mystery. Such is the heritage of Dreamfall: Veils and Visions from Na-Koja-Abad. Turn out the lights and prepare to find yourself in a primal, sensual and yet strangely comforting landscape.

Comprised of three tracks (twenty-five, twenty-three and ten-plus minutes in length), Dreamfall…is exquisite. Here is the highest praise I can give it: Few recordings cross my desk these days that I wish I had time to delve into and explore in detail. Such is the artistry of Dreamfall: Veils and Visions.

What puts this CD in the esteemed company of the ones I mentioned earlier? Perhaps the careful attention to detail which the artist brings to all the elements in the mix. On 'Traversing the Dusk,' the opening track, what makes it work so well is the seamless integration of nature sounds, such as bird song, with the undulating drones, the electric guitar peals, the assorted shakers, rattles and rainstick. It's so immersive, as if one were walking through this landscape - the sun setting, the shadows lengthening, and the hint of something not necessarily scary but certainly unknown and disquieting hanging in the air. After fifteen minutes of ambient-esque sound sculpting, Na-Koja-Abad folds in the tribal elements (frame and hand drums) and the sensuality of the piece elevates pronouncedly. The tempo is slow, sexual, primal and the heat is palpable. Obvious comparisons for me are to Soma, a huge compliment as I have many times stated I consider it a true masterpiece of ethno-tribal ambient music.

'Devouring the Sky' reverses the order of the previous track, starting off with the percussive elements (hand drums reminiscent of the recordings mentioned earlier with the exception of Rainforest) and water burbling over rocks. Liquid drones and dark shadowy synth textures flow over the beats. When the rhythms subside, drones take over and wave after wave of them wash over you, carrying you along in their eddy, but never in a threatening way, more as if to say "Come with us…we have wonders to show you." Midtempo tribal drum beats and rattles slowly emerge from the darkness and as they intensify, you feel energized rather than terrified, as if you were heading toward something wondrous and fulfilling, not dark and disturbing. This sensation of a shadowy realm but not one of fear runs throughout Dreamfall…and it's this juxtaposition (which Soma has as well) which makes the CD so alluring, intoxicating and begs the listener to return time and time again.

The shorter drone-centered final track, 'Garden of the Ineffable' is not so much an anti-climax as it is the inevitable arrival at the apex of the journey…a heartbeat rhythm melds into a series of drones and washes amidst scattered percussion and welcoming chorals (by Aida Moćević), and you realize you are home. Not the comfortable home of your hearth but the home you yearned for in your dreams, a place of fulfillment and enlightenment where knowledge is all and awareness is consummate.

Whew! Na-Koja-Abad impressed me with his previous release, Deluvia. Here, he raises the bar higher still, working in a more atmospheric and less dark but still haunting vein, crafting music which transports me to a world that I wish I could visit in reality. This is an indulgent album, one to patiently wade through and digest, to savor and linger over, until you feel sated by the sheer magic of its mystery. Highly recommended.
*****

More info:
Na-Koja-Abad
Dreamfall on Blue Water Records

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Parallel Worlds - Mon Dec 17, 2007 2:33 pm

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Review from Bill Binkelman (of Wind and Wire):

PARALLEL WORLDS
Obsessive Surrealism
DiN (2007)
11 tracks, 63:29


Bakis Sirros (Parallel Worlds) reinvents retro-EM on Obsessive Surrealism, one of the best EM recordings of the year. As he weaves his way through eleven tracks (many under six minutes - a decision that I applaud, frankly), he immerses the listener in a shadowy realm where a myriad of past EM and electronica influences (chief among them are John Carpenter's soundtracks) merge with a dark yet lush contemporary tint. A smattering of synth-pop touches, perhaps trace elements of Jarre, Tangerine Dream, or Synergy also surface, as well as echoes of contemporaries like Current, Di Evantile, and others. The music (much of it created on modular analogue instruments) is always couched in an atmosphere permeated with dread, foreboding, menace and mystery. Because the music frequently has a cinematic aspect to it, I think Sirros' biggest influences were the music from films such as Escape from New York, The Fog, and to lesser degrees, Big Trouble in Little China and The Thing (and yes, I know The Thing soundtrack was actually composed by Ennio Morricone, thankyouverymuch). Regardless whether you will agree with me on this point, Obsessive Surrealism is an entertaining disc and certainly plays better in the foreground rather than as sonic wallpaper. You'll really want to listen to this one.

The opening "Beneath Fear" gives you a good indication what to expect. Muted bell tones are set off against assorted skittering electronic FX and minor chord washes. Rhythms emerge gradually but build in intensity along with the addition of moody chorals. "Different Pathways" begins with a steady snare and bass drum beat. Burbling static and organ-like chords are right out of The Thing, and have that same "hair stands up on the back of your neck" effect, as if something is approaching and it's not gonna be pleasant. Yet, the energy of the song (unlike Carpenter's soundtracks) is dialed up to a higher intensity level. It's almost infectious, an intriguing counterpoint to music suffused with dread. "Empty Human Cells" evokes Escape from New York at times, with the same pulsing rhythms and flurry of synths that marked one of Carpenter's more sought after works.

Sirros settles down only occasionally (too bad) e.g. on "Increasing Complexity" with its echoed piano, bell tones, and undulating drones, eventually married to some midtempo synth bass beats and weird effects. He takes aim at a mixture of '80s dance/synth pop crossed with neon-lit Berlin on the bouncy, energetic "Distracted." Harold Faltemeyer meets Tangerine Dream, perhaps? The CD ends with the dark Sturm und Drang of "Crying Spells," a welling-up dose of propulsive yet oppressive power, reminding me of Big Trouble in Little China crossed with The Keep (soundtrack by Tangerine Dream).

Despite my numerous allusions to other artists (notably Carpenter and his unnamed accomplice Alan Howarth), don't be mistaken in thinking Obsessive Surrealism reeks of copycatting. Bakis Sirros is certainly an original. The music here is a hybrid of retro analogue-driven and contemporary EM, with the emphasis on the former but not in a derivative fashion. More than anything else, what Sirros' infuses this CD with is a delightfully sly mixture of fun and frights. Charged with a shadowy spookiness and a dose of creepy menace around every corner, the album is very highly recommended.

Rating: A

Bill Binkelman / Wind And Wire

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Parallel Worlds - Fri Dec 28, 2007 4:38 am

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MEMORY GEIST - FUNEREAL CAVERN cd album:
a great review (in Italian) here:

http://www.karmahd.it/images/EEE48_1.pdf

rating 7 out of 8

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viable hybrid - Tue Jan 01, 2008 9:37 am

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vh002 released

after a long gestation period, we are pleased to be able to announce the release of 'feathers', the definitive vurt album.

the culmination of two years work, this album lays claim to a map once sketched by jeff noon, now reinvested as a personal exploration of sound and music. we've been looking forward to this for a very long time, so please enjoy...

find it here

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Parallel Worlds - Wed Jan 02, 2008 1:04 pm

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PARALLEL WORLDS - Obsessive Surrealism (DiN26) CD review

Ian Boddy's Din label is now famous world-wide as the leading electronic music label that mixes originality with accessibility - you won't hear something on this label that bores you to death and you also won't hear anything that bores holes in you. This is no exception. The opening track, 6 minutes of "Beneath Fear" immediately serves as testimony. There's a melody line but it's twisted, there's a rhythm but it's angular, there's a texture but it's choral and a strength but it's magical. As keyboard, synth and electronci and electro-percussive rhythms move over each other like tectonic plates slowly coming to life, the feeling is of a giant awakening from a long-held slumber, the peice possessing more atmosphere than purpose, but, inreality, plenty of each. So much so, that the 5 minutes of "Different Pathways" is altogether lighter as though the giant beast has sprouted wings and is now able to fly, stretch and circle, albeit slowly, as musical muscles are flexed and the synths wheeze and groan in a highly melodic manner, drones the wheeze, bass rumbles the groans, as twinkling synth tunes in the distant, sparkle on top of slowly flowing electro-percussive beats, boinging bass synths and swirling gas clouds of electronics. The 3 minutes of "Empty Human Cells" is typical of the album as every track is its own entity and yet there seems to be a natural thematic follow-on from the previous piece. Here the sound is altogether bigger, with giant bass synth rhythms booming out slowly as more cosmic synth textures dance behind an array of heavenly melody lines, the dominant force beingt the dark rhythms that hang like a cloud over the optimism, turning light into something altogether more eerie, the synths gathering strength and an assembalge of rhythms and layers gliding purposefully acroass a universe of space synth backdrops. Ironically, the 6 minutes of "Increasing Complexity", is altogether more simplistic, as electric piano melody flows over gentle synth rhythms and undulating backdrops to provide a restrained respite from the increasing intensity, this time a big loping electro-percussive synth rhythm taking centre stage as the melody meanders, the rhythm undfolds and wheezing, puffing electronic rhythmic backgrounds supplement the main machine heart of the beast, all the while the melodic blood flowing through its veins and keeping it alive and vital. "Caves" also focuses on the rhythmic side of things as the central theme unfolds before these subside to leave a sea of slow-motion keyboard chords that lull you before the impending darkness falls and the life of stuttering rhythmic complexity begins to form all around you. Two minutes of deep, dark industrial strength cosmic synths allied to industrial strength booming electro-percussive rhythms serves as a bridge between what has gone before and the magical 9 minutes of "Reflective" where string synths and soaring space synth swoops create something timeless and beautiful as the, now familiar, sound of a booming electronic beat, this time slowly, emerges and takes its place at the centre of its universe, the synth flow darkening, the melodic intensity deepening and the whole thing gathering strength and layers to take off to the skies like some giant spaceship of unknown origin and yet seemingly familiar design. The rhythms rev up like rocket motors and the resonant rumble of boinging bass synths adds to the electro-percussive beats as the stirring sound of string synths weves the melodic web and all manner of eldctronic surrounds provide a pastoral presence to sit naturally against the blackness of the rhythmic mood. The near 9 minutes of "Mindmists" is altogether more abstract and here the melody factor disappears into one giant musical black hole, out of which comes the echoes of distant melodie that ahve ben swallowed up by the darkness, th whole main figure gurgling, rumbling, lurching and sucking in every musical layer you care to throw at it, as, one after another, rhythms tumble freefall through space while the sound of distant mellotrons provides a backdrop for the juxtaposition of cosmic bliss and dark bleak space, the gravity wll eventually falling away to reveal uncharted regions of space through which you cruise with electric piano, mellotron, electro-percussive rhythmic rumbles, off-key electronic backdrops and space synth masses, all combine to create a wholly new musical universe that soon bursts into life and evolves into yet another spellbinding example of rhythm and texture. Three tracks between 4 and 7 minutes complete the picture in similar vein to what has gone before and the epic journey is over, something that has transfixed you yet somehow has left a mark that is felt but not remembered, as you lay it to rest, knowing one day son, that it's a journey you will wish to undertake once more to see the altogether different musical sights that youmight have missed first time round and to enjoy the shape of the universe in many and varied ways. Adventurous originality combined with accessibility in electronics is summed up by this album.

Andy Garibaldi(Dead Earnest) 12-07

www.deadearnest.btinternet.co.uk
www.myspace.com/deadearnestdundee
www.myspace.com/mermaidrockpromotions

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Parallel Worlds - Wed Apr 09, 2008 3:46 am

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Memory Geist - Funereal Cavern

CD, Musica Maxima Magnetica, 2007
Memory Geist is a collaborative project of the Greek musician Bakis Sirros (aka Parallel Worlds) and Australian composer Steve Law (aka Zen Paradox, Starseed Transmission). "Funereal Cavern" is their debut album, for which Bakis send some soundscape recordings to Steve, which he proceeded to edit and process into new pieces of music. The almost 60-minute ambient/experimental album contains three extended pieces filled with deep, sometimes almost ghostly atmospheres. To it, some nice, grainy elements have been added in the first track "Shadowy Periphery". The second title "Deepest Reaches", clocking at 20 minutes, is a strong, extended voyage inward featuring the voice of Sayaka Yabuki (a female musician with whom Steve has collaborated quite a lot). It all ends up in a slow morphing and meandering ambience with some uplifting, ethereal sounding elements as well. The closing title track starts out with metallic sounds and bells, later ending up in a floating textural, sometimes slightly menacing sounding dronescape.

All in all, this is some well-produced deep and dense quality ambient music demanding focussed listening.

Bert Strolenberg
www.sonicimmersion.org

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