JOURNEY TO THE VAST UNKNOWN

I feel like I'm one of the few who is actually really into this album. Of course the Bio for this duo reveals a different story. And it's such a cool story where keyboardist Rene De Haan in his late teens and a regular visitor to Moonlight Records in The Hague, meets the owner Bob De Jong, and the rest is history. Rene, still living with his parents has a room full of keyboard equipment and is composing music. He has dreams, and Bob, a drummer who also knows his way around a studio, buys into Rene's dreams.

They would record this album in the second half of 1980 and release it in 1981. Bob of course has connections and ideas. He sends copies to many Djs who in turn after playing a tune would give the postal address for Moonlight Records for those interested in buying a copy. Soon Bob was getting hundreds of requests. Would you believe this sold over 5,000 copies! Well, if you heard this 42 minute album you might be surprised. I could see if this was 1971 but not 1981.

It's uniform sounding with Rene dominating. Lots of synths here and some sequencers. Piano as well, and some mellotron on the closer. Bob's drumming is rather sedate, but that's the sound they were looking for. Not a lot of breakouts, and it's melancholic. No vocals. There is some moving sections and variety within the style. What style? Well, electronic would be my choice for this album. Symphonic for their second release I understand, as I don't own it. Considering the duo call it a Symphonic poem, I guess answers that.

They released that second record in 1982 and that would be the end of their moment in the sun. They actually have a very young Arjen Luccasen playing guitar and bass pedals on that one, along with guest violin, flute and bass. Plus synths from a PLACKBAND member. Oh, and they thank PLACKBAND in the liner notes on the debut here as well. This album opens with the side long suite called "Journey To The Vast Unknown" which is divided into four parts. And the second side features two long tracks, just under 10 minutes each. I am a sucker for albums that take you places. I have that psychedelic mindset. This is a trip, or journey to the vast unknown indeed. And those two closing tracks are my favourites.

Easily 4 stars in my little cosmic music universe.

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