GREEN

'Green' is the work of electro engineer Patrick R. P'rk. The only Progressive Electronic music I have heard in the past includes the works of Kraftwerk that always have a strong melodic techno pop sound and spacey computer effects; always appealing with the quirky electro rhythms and hypnotic computerised chirps. Klaus Schulze is another in the genre who is really a pioneer of electro with some stunning albums such as 'Mirage'. Aube is another in the genre but on the extreme end of the scale with noise and effects as well as extended soundwaves without any semblance of structure at times, and tests my patience. Tangerine Dream is more like the style of Kosmonaut as the music develops slowly with variations of electro sounds and synths such as on 'Rubycon', 'Stratosfear' and 'Phaedra'. I certainly do not consider this music to be something I would turn to often and usually I only listen for the purpose of opening my ears to something different.

'Five Wisdoms' is over 15 minutes of spacey sounds made with electronics and drones on interminably. The problem I have as a reviewer is allowing myself to become immersed in music I do not particularly like, and a case in point is right here with Kosmonaut. I noticed the minimal ratings and reviews here showing me that I am not the only one who does not listen to this style often. It is an elite target audience as the music is so stark, and indeed not even music at times, more like processed sonic vibrations, though this is way better that the noise of Aube. While the sonics on 'Eagle Wizard' were interesting, after a while I found myself frustrated at the lack of structure and by the time 'Star Mother' arrived I was longing for the album to end. It simply is not my taste and I would assume this extreme style only appeals to a certain listener. It is challenging as it is so devoid of rhythm, melody or even variation. At times there is a lengthy drone with ear piercing sonics and it is headache inducing.

Perhaps these psychedelic amplifications are designed for trance or meditation, but even then it is too abrasive to have appeal. The best track is 'Smoking Mirror' as it has a motorik processed techno beat and even sounds like Kraftwerk in their early experimental phase. In short bursts the electro sounds may be quite effective, especially as the background to a movie or documentary on space. I hope this review sparks some interst for those whom this style appeals to as it will no doubt deliver what they expect. As a one off listen this is stark and uncomfortable enough to jar the ear into taking notice, if only to see how it develops, however I certainly felt that it was not compelling enough to sit through on repeated listens without skipping tracks, therefore this is definitely one for the extreme electro collector/ connoisseur.