FORCE MAJEURE

A magnificent sonic extrapolation of the physics of the atmosphere which safeguards our fragile blue dot which acquires powerful feminine beauty through it`s romantic French language title. The spacious drama of the processes of meteorological and geological forces interacting through the ages reach mystical proportions with the extensive use of an array of synths and sequencers aided by compressed electric guitar treatments combined with the wondrous studio wizardry associated with electronic music masters, Tangerine Dream.

At the time the group was sailing through some stormy waters and fans really didn`t know what to expect when Tangerine Dream came through with this jewel in 1979. A more streamlined melodic sound emerged which was perhaps a sign of the times but nevertheless demonstrated what still could be accomplished with anologue equipment at the dawn of digital technology which was just over the horizon. Still exhibiting the splendour of earlier extended compositions such as Stratosfear & Rubycon, the most notable changes here are more focus on guitars and the presence of a live drummer which adds hypnotic rythmical effects throughout. The dynamic work, in three parts, constantly fluctuates, rises and falls with different ideas being introduced and re-introduced and bears the natural unpredicability of the systems of nature it seeks to depict. At times it becomes somewhat sinister suggesting ancient qualities of the cycles of nature through the ages but often resolves into majestic and glorious celebrations, particularily at the conclusion of the work on the epic Thru Metamorphic Rocks. The calm and fury of mother nature is meticulously exemplified the middle section, Cloudburst Flight, which explores the various stages of a developing and subsiding weather system and is by far the most powerful artistic statement on the album and one of the best loved Tangerine Dream tracks. Some of the music heard here was also cultivated for other Tangerine Dream projects and appears on the soundtracks for the films Risky Business and Theif as well reworkings that appear on various live recordings. But the best advice though is to stick to the original compositions presented here in their intended contexts.

Intoxicating from begin to finish Force Majuere will not only solicit acclaim from fans of Tangerine Dream but it`s captivating theme and execution will also fascinate the uninitiated. A masterful, exquisite example of progressive electronic music.