OPTICAL RACE

... and Chris Franke left Tangerine Dream. Optical Race is a bit better than its predecessor Tyger (vocals have at least been removed, that's a good point), but is still a flat and mostly uninspired effort.

The first track Marakesh sounds very very little middle-oriental, and contains inappropriate changes of themes. Atlas Eyes is hardly an "empty" track filled with synthetizers. On the opposite, Mothers of Rain is THE track that saves the disc from the trashcan. In constrast with the rest of the album, this piece is very enchanting and puts you in a magic strange place when you listen to it. Then the theme goes stronger and stronger with upbeat and efficient sequenced waves. Then back to boring tracks. Twin Soul Tribe is empty and repetitive and the title track is irritating. Cat Scan attempts to re-use Mothers of Rain's theme but mananges to become cheesy at the end. Sun Gate sounds Pink Floyd-ish and is average with Froese's guitar solo. The last three tracks are flat, especially Ghazal. A "Love Song" from Tangerine Dream ? Horrendous !

I give two stars for the track Mothers of Rain, which carries well its name, comes in contrast with the other tracks and is definitely worth the listen.