RICOCHET

Conceived as a live but soundings as a studio album, « Ricochet » is a standard of TD's typical sequencer / synth music. Recording during their European tour in 1975, the music spontaneously developed is in the direct line of the two previous efforts, oscillating between Moog Synth, Mellotron enchanting lines with an addition of exhibited sequencer pulses & arpeggios (maybe too prominent for my ears, just as this basic endless structure makes up a lack of inspiration during the jamming). As usual the sound is very abstract and spacey. The opening track starts with a deep, moody, vibrant synth sound rapidly followed by repetitive electric lines and dynamic sequencer pulses. After more than 15 mn of perpetual, sometimes boring synth / sequencer passages the tune finishes as it started with an intense, powerful keyboard part. The second track features a calm, meditative piano line (in the introduction), Mellotron lines and off course sequencer pulse patterns (again and again). TD finally found their way in a more accessible, rhythmical approach of "cosmic" music. Less cerebral and complex than albums as "Zeit", "Alpha Centauri" or "Atem". A very representative album of the Virgin years.