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Outer Space

Akashic Record (Events: 1986-1990)

Spectrum Sppols • 2012

Tape of the Year 2023

Please, don’t be irritated by the title. This record was composed and recorded over the last year. It’s just the inspiration that is illustrated through the record’s name – events that have happened to others in that very time span. Actually, the project under the leadership of Spectrum Spools’ head John Elliot should have even been dated one decade back. »Akashic Record« belongs more to the sound-spectrum of Tangerine Dream, Vangelis and Jean-Michel Jarre than to the aspiring world of house, acid and techno. Only in the beginning, there are a few reference-snippets concerning The Orb. Other than that, the fourteenth album since 2008 (a few were only released on cassettes) unfolds wallowing synthz-waves which embalm the listener and vortex galaxies of ambiance. On top of five tracks, there are little field recordings adding a warm and analog sound to it all. In addition, the collaborators Drew McDowall (former Coil), Jeff Hatfield (Fragments) and the rather ominous Philip Whiteside (part of the just-as-ominous Wavehead) do their tricks to make it all work. A great record full of grace, the joy of discovery and the ability to remember.

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