DECADE IN SPACE

The tracks on "Decade in Space" are nicely-conceived, well-structured, synth-based compositions. Mostly void of percussion but not droning, the repetitive rhythms keep the pieces marching along. Not sleepy-time chill, nor intrusively energetic -- but somewhere in between. Most pieces flow seamlessly one to another without silence. Aside from the occasional spoken vox embellishments, or some MIDI choir ohs and ahs, it's all instrumental.

1. "A Partial Memory" begins with a spacey synth backing a female voice repeating "a memory from your subconscious". The track is more about the overall mood it creates, rather than the simple 3-note melody that permeates it.

2. "Seemless Time" is a rework of the track "Timeless Sun" which appears on the album Gaia's Garden. For me, I hear Hawkwind all day long. Spoken male vocals and medium-energy music, if a bit repetitious. A good song for listening to on a lumbering commuter train as you hear the click-clack of the tracks, feel the repetitive sway of the coach, and watch the utility poles strobe past the window.

3. "Dub Bubble" invokes the synth bubbles, flutters, pops and squeaks of the Ozrics. A somewhat haunting, slow sax lead punctuates the underlying rumbling bass line. About half way thru, spoken vocal snippets lead to an Art of Noise kind of shuffle, were it not for the sax lead.

4. "The Still and Silent Universe" is slow and introspective, with brief sequenced flourishes and other synth dramas fading in and out, kind of like drifting in a still & silent universe and occasionally wandering past an interesting nebula or star or planet that grabs your attention. Very chill.

5. "Space Messages" evokes a very industrial, mechanical, electronic feel. More spoken VOX and a bright pad sequence pulsates and echoes between the left & right channels. Gotta listen to this with headphones, man! Overall, somewhat repetitious, begging for you to kick back, chill, and continue that train ride.

6. "Deep Space Travelling" opens with a slow Kraftwerk-like pop sequence with maybe a touch of Art of Noise. Overall the piece is slow, quiet, and meandering, with guitar, Mellotron-ish keyboard, and saxophone trading leads.

7. "Eyes of the Oracle" is a rearrangement of "Oracle Eye" on the Steps Across the Cortex album. A bubbly, murky synth patch flows over top of a strong rhythm section - the first time drums really stood out on the album. Upbeat and rhythmic, but not high energy.

8. "Voyage Sequence II" has a nice synth wind instrument lead with a light percussive backdrop. Stay on the train for this mesmerizing track.

9. "Back to Earth" evokes the sounds of a babbling brook and insect-like buzzes. Slowly ebbing and swelling, not rhythmic, it finishes with melancholic choir ohs and ahs, humming a peaceful introspective melody. Listen to this while getting a massage.

"Decade in Space" was released in 2008 after "Gaia's Garden". A printing error incorrectly shows the release date as 2010 -- a fact that was confirmed by the composer (David Hendry).

Four stars all day long.