SPIRAL

"Spiral" is a dynamic album from legendary Vangelis opening with a stunning synth powerhouse with the title track 'Spiral'. This track is a definitive Vangelis classic with huge arpeggios and ascending and descending synth runs over layers of lush keyboard pads. The melody is infectious and as good as anything he has set his hand to with later material. The spacey atmospheres are dazzling and if the rest of the album had been like thus it would have reached masterpiece status. Unfortunately it hurtles downhill after this brilliant start.

There are some bright lights along the way. 'Dervish D' has a nice melody but really is more a retread of 'Spiral''s themes than anything new and innovative, inspired by the whirling Dervish dancers. Occasionally the themes of tracks stand out but it really becomes quite uninspiring and drawn out at times.

'3+3' has an inventive use of a sequencer, reminding me of Pink Floyd's 'On The Run'. It finishes the note on a build-up of musical intonations and has a crystalline synth sound with interesting diversions into styles. The ending of the track changes into a fast paced rhythm with some wonderful violin soundalike flourishes.

The cover of the album is also worth noting, not a sci fi theme as many of Vangelis albums but a simple snaking depiction of a headphone jack spiralling from the sky towards us. Overall, it is a pleasant sounding album, not particularly brimming with brilliant master works, but relaxing and ebbing with crystal clear synths; and if that is what you are after, you will not be disappointed.