TANGRAM

Where can I start with this one. Tangerine Dream was in a transitional part of their career, and given the circumstances Tangram turned out really well. What we have is a record that looks back and forward at the same time but never feels like this clashes with the record. From what I can hear, this album is broken up into segments on each track. For example, Set 1 will start with a 4-5 minute piece that leads into a 2-3 minute piece working off the rhythm of the prior piece, then by the 8th minute it starts to slow down and switch moods and sound entirely. It reminds me greatly of something Jean Michel did on Equinoxe, only, on that record the tracks were separated and not meshed into two long tracks. This isn't a bad thing, however, as that record is best listened to from beginning to end anyway.

Now, as for the music itself, we have a lot of focus on melody like the prior record had, while at the same time, the sequencers and ambient pieces bleed through seamlessly with the more upfront melodic bits. The synth pallet is on the whole nice, but, some of the synths do sound a bit meh - something uncommon for Tangerine Dream, but thankfully the guitar playing is great and for the most part it all works when listened to from the beginning. Johannes Schomoelling definitely shows his presence here, and while some fans might not like his input I feel it was a needed change if the band wanted to progress past Force Maejeure. He certainly made this record sound distinct.

So, for a rating, I'll give it four stars. If you enjoy the late 70s Tangerine Dream albums, you'll love this. It's got enough focus on melody to keep it from being complete mood music but restrains itself when it needs to which makes it a very good listening experience. Definitely a favorite of mine, and overlooked often by many fans.