THE STRANDS OF THE FUTURE

"The Strands Of The Future" is a mellotron lovers dream.This is a concept album with both French and English vocals but the focus here is on the dreamy and spacey atmosphere they create. I really like this style of music.

It opens with the side long title track "The Strands Of The Future". Mellotron to open as spacey synths come and go. Drums and guitar come in at 3 minutes followed by organ as the spacey atmosphere leaves. A calm after 4 minutes then it turns dreamy with FLOYD-like vocals a minute later including acoustic guitar. This really reminds me of PFM 6 minutes in and later after 7 minutes. I think it's partly the mellotron. Another calm 8 1/2 minutes in before it kicks back in around 10 1/2 minutes. Mellotron after 11 minutes as synths join in. A heavier sound with drums 13 1/2 minutes in then the mellotron floods the soundscape. Flute after 16 minutes. Spacey synths after 17 1/2 minutes as drums pound. A calm after 19 1/2 minutes as acoustic guitar and flute follow to end it.

"Flight" opens with drums and mellotron as keyboards join in. A gorgeous sound when it settles. Some vocal melodies too. Flute 2 minutes in as it picks up some. "Windows" is the only track without mellotron but it's a dreamy, laid back beauty. Gentle guitar, flute, light drums and reserved vocals lead the way. "Fool's Failure" opens with lots of mellotron. Vocals before a minute. The drums become prominant then synths arrive as it settles 2 1/2 minutes in. Mellotron then spoken words. It's quite haunting at this point. Flute before 7 minutes as it gets brighter. Vocals join in and mellotron follows. Samples late of someone rushing around desperately. Mellotron then pours in before 9 1/2 minutes to end it. Nice.

A dreamy and spacey recording that deserves 4 stars.