QUINOA

"Quinoa" is initially a single long composition first released in 1992 as a gift to the TANGERINE DREAM fan club members. In 1998, the band had its own label, TDI. They decided to re-release this track by adding 2 bonus tracks. The music was composed and perfomed only by the Froese and son duo. Whereas the studio albums of this period displays a more rock-oriented style, "Quinoa" is essentially electronic.

Although unequal, the title track remains the only interest of the record. This marks the return of TD's long epics in a non-live release. The last one was "Sphinx Lightning" on 1983's Hyperborea, ie. nearly 10 years before. "Quinoa" is almost 30 minutes long! The first half is rather ambient and relaxing and features sequenced synth textures. However, the second half is more catchy, as it alternates sweet passages, upbeat dramatic moments and short asian themes.

The bonus tracks are optional. "Voxel Ux" was composed in 1996 for a website contest. This tune sounds flat and not very inspired. At least it includes more modern beats. "Lhasa" was a preparation of the track "The Blue Pearl" for the later album "The Seven Letters From Tibet", released in 2000. Not much to say about it either, as it is atmospheric, without rythm, melody or no real changes.

The only reason to listen to "Quinoa" is the title track . As a long TANGERINE DREAM epic, it contains interesting moments and is one of the best compositions of the german band during the 90's.