RICOCHET

'Ricochet' finally brings all elements of the definitive TANGERINE DREAM sound to the table. Some of the avant-garde sounds still remain, shrill squeals, random rattles and rumbling bass punctuating the music. The record is drenched in synths, warming the music and creating an organic base upon which the machine-like sequencer pulses and arpeggios rise and fall, mutating all the while. And on top of that heady mix come the Gilmouresque bent-note guitar and freight-train percussion, giving this putatively 'live' album a rockier punch than anything they'd done before.

Side 1, enjoyable in itself, is the warm-up act for the splendid Side 2, which begins with a gorgeous piano and flute motif. At 2:40 the synths and pulses come in and the drama begins. This is a TD special, an instantly memorable and recognisable tune. There's more bottom end here than on 'Rubycon', and many more layers in which to lose oneself. The pulsing bass remakes itself regularly, and is never less than fully engaging. To round the package off, the whole thing gradually builds until the spectacular sfx, after which the album is named, signal the album's high point. This record sees TANGERINE DREAM at the peak of their powers. They would make better music, in my opinion, but it would never again be so easy.

This would have been some live concert. However, it is only when one listens to the unembellished concert (available as part of Vol. 1 of their official bootleg box set) that one realises just how much this has been altered in the studio. It's not really a live album, more a studio album based on a live performance. This is really the only disappointing aspect of an otherwise excellent recording.

If I had to recommend one TANGERINE DREAM album which captures their trademark sound, this would be it.