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The first Spacemusic produced back in the 1970s will always be referred to by fans as "The Classics", but should really be thought of as "Part One". Through artists like Skoulaman we may feel these pioneering albums reaching into the present. Dreaming of the Future Reflecting the Past (76'51") thrums with its own vitality. Seemingly thrown together in a few live takes by Hans van Kroonenburg (recording as Skoulaman) his work is improbably resonant. Possessing a freewheeling immediacy this metrical music speaks to us in the voice of an old friend. The initiated will no doubt cite influences ranging from the heart-felt inventions of Vangelis and subtle cosmic energy of Free System Projekt to the sequencer wizardry of Steve Roach, Javi Canovas or Craig Padilla. With keyboards and modules astir staccato synthesizer blips play and echo in intriguing interlocking patterns - a cerebral beat embedded in the rolling melody. As vague flute tones ghostly shadow van Kroonenburg's synth lead, minor-key strings sustain then shift in a heroic progression of chords; which adds a different kind of motion across the field of dancing and bobbing electronic notes. There is a huge gap between the people who understand these musical forces and the rest of us. On Dreaming of the Future Reflecting the Past listeners get to hear this man's wild gift. If this music is a code, then it is so only to encourage our curiosity and stimulate thought. Establishing a continuous flux in perfect proportions Skoulaman helps push our brains to a higher level of integration. The pleasure in this music is as complicated as the music itself.
- Chuck van Zyl/STAR'S END 28 November 2014 |
