'Sanctuary' suggests monastery, monastery suggests monks, monks suggest Enigma, Enigma suggests a chugging beat, silken synths and monastic chants. The segue into track 5 is very impressive, and the form continues with a very infectious theme and a confident air which combine to great effect. It is played with rather more gusto though and hence is a more successful outing, but still rather predictable. Another member of the 'Sequences theme club' follows, and its similarity to 'Highland' may explain a few things. 'Evening Star' is another adroit offering with a measured main theme and immaculate backing. It's good, but at seven minutes it does go on a bit. 'Highland' breezes along on a chugging beat and features a very familiar theme played in a variety of voices and styles. Electronic voice samples initially hint at a shift into Synthetik dance territory, however unmistakable Shipway refrains soon take centre stage and accompanied by characteristic chant samples and flutey synth the opening title track does not disappoint. The cover evokes a real pioneering spirit and not for the first time the sleevenotes provide interesting and thought provoking reading. However, the positive comments in this review have been borne out of repeated listenings to an album which has a lot to offer if one cares to look.Īdmired by many for his very unique style and sense of adventure, this album is aptly titled. 'Into Battle' was always going to be a tough act to follow, and I feel that many listeners, as I did, may greet initial airings of 'Folly' with a tinge of disappointment. I don't think this remix has done the original any favours however, being one of the few disappointments on the album. 'Departure' is really too short to develop it's promising theme leaving 'Return to Battle' to close proceedings with a radical remix of 'Into Battle'. 'Secrets' sounds like a laid back version of themes visited earlier in the album and 'The Watchkeeper', after quite a deliberate start, develops into a thunderous Shreeve-like blast. Images as disparate as calming water samples (what self respecting modern synth album is complete without them?!) and clanking industrial percussion are blended together by another excellent tune to form 'Flying Machine', while 'After Dark' features probably the strongest and most infectious melody on the album.īeautiful piano heralds 'Procession' which is a more grandiose affair then previous tracks. 'Celebration' returns to a more upbeat pace while 'The Dream' is carried along by an Enigma style rhythm overlaid by soothing synth lead producing one of my favourite moments.
'Caravan' uses delicate percussion and guitar voices to set a more relaxed pace somewhat reminiscent of Waveform's 'Gently Does It'. A short but superb piano interlude is featured during the latter stages to really put the icing on a fine track.
Another strong melody is the basis of 'The Folly' which is woven around percussion lines which feature some unusual samples - effective and enjoyable. The CD starts with 'Arrival', a track which really sets the pace for the rest of the album featuring upbeat melodics created by a wide array of synth voices including mandolin at one stage.
#Lord of rigel synth professional#
Michael's much awaited follow-up to 'Into Battle' visually appeals with it's impressive packaging and excellent sleevenotes - a professional image which is becoming a Surreal to Real trademark.
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