SPACE MUSIC

Being a very prolific musician, 1997 sees not only the release of Fritsch'es second album but also the publishment of ''Lendas encantadas'', the third effort of his band Apocalypse.As Apocalypse was in constant support by Musea Records, it was only a matter of time before Fritsch would sign with the French label.So it happeans in 1998 with the Brazilian keyboardist being a member of the Musea' Electronic-drenched sublabel Dreaming, on which he released his third solo album ''Space music'', recorded at his home studio and composed on keyboards, computers and electronic drums.

Much of the fading New Age character of ''Behind the walls of imagination'' is now completely gone and replaced by a far more energetic sound by Fritsch.Unlike its title, the album has little to do with Space Music, the only links with the spacey atmospheres being the more sharp Electronic pieces of this work, fronted by some twisting loops.Fritsch, who always had a great sense of symphonic mood in his works, presents another fine effort, which can be described as Orchestral Electronic Music with JEAN MICHEL JARRE being again a strong influence.His music has a beautiful tendency towards melodic keyboard lines and atmospheric textures, being far from the minimalistic works of the genre.Moreover the addition of drums and even some sampled guitars in a few tracks along with his passion for rhythmic lines eventually offer music closer to Neo/Symphonic Prog, although the absence of natural instruments mark them not as totally convinving.The compositions are often performed on dual keyboards for a richer and more emphatic sound and the result is pretty nice, even if some flat passages are present as well.

Instrumental, orchestral Electronic Music with glimpses on Fritsch'es work with Apocalypse.Considering this is a one-man effort, the final taste is more than satisfying.Recommended.