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FRESH WIND IN THE VALLEY OF DREAMS
Musica Excentrica 013 2008
After an excursion to Berlin-based Resting Bell Netlabel, Latvian Paleopsychedlic Ambient-duo Astrowind returns with an album for Moscow’s finest Netaudio-collective Musica Excentrica. The full-length release features an artwork by illustrator Grigory Kochenov and comes with eleven songs of huge synthesizer Ambient like it’s 1974.
If you dug “The Night The Stars Flew” (@ElectroSound) or Astrowind’s epic “Into Vernadsky” (@12rec.) you’ll probably get along with their new album. I’m a sucker for their wonderful behind-the-times themes of philosophical esoterism and retro science-fiction extravaganca.
Musically, I think that “Fresh Wind In The Valley Of Dreams” is the best work up to date.
- Sven Swift
SOMEWHERE THE MUSIC HAD BEEN PLAYED
Resting Bells
008 2007
To speak with Spiritualized: "Ladies and Gentlemen, we are floating in space"
After two amazing releases ("The Night The Stars Flewì/Electrosound & "Into Vernadsky"/12rec), Astrowind come up with another great 7-track-EP.
Deeply influenced by german krautrock, "Somewhere The Music Had Been Played" puts you in a warm blanket and let you float in time and space.
This deep harmonic athmosphere guides you through the complete release.
From the first track soft bubbling synth-patterns and soundscapes take you by the hand and let you forget time and space around you.
And leave you after 35 minutes in a calm and peaceful condition.
By the way: The whole EP was recorded during a live improvisation on soviet-era analog synth and desktop FX.
An exciting example of creating music together spontaniously. - Christian Roth
INTO VERNADSKY
12REC 041 2007
While the debut was more like watching the stars on a windy night, "Into Vernadsky" has a rather oceanic feel.
"Welcome to the Past" starts off with fat sonar-like bleeps while the harmonic synth- and organ-chords in the back seem to pass
tons of salty water before they reach your ear. The second song, mysteriously entitled "Rusty Trumpet of Youth", has a similar feel.
Squeaking synthesizers and a millions bubbles beneath. The "Connections of Everything"-trilogy afterwards marks the slow ascension from the bottom
of the ocean to the bright and lovely shores atop. If you are a fan of the Herzog EP we released in May 2007, maybe you dig these tunes, too.
Despite all the differences.
The second half of "Into Vernadsky" EP begins with "Vernadsky Choice". Astrowind combine sweet organ-chords with a crackling and hissing synthesizer pulse.
Check the Jean-Michel Jarre filter sweeps! At position seven, ìStarry Night Horseridingî takes on a slightly more resolute temper. Very dense, you can imagine the starlight
landscape taking a flight before your eyes. "I'd Like to Return" is the last song before the EP fades out with the final tune "Blake".
There is a strong atmosphere of menace in it, a certain kind of tensions haunting. Reminds me of German Krautrock pioneers Cluster - and that is the best I can give! - Sven Swift.
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