Soniq Variants by Alpha Wave Movement

Made on a few Ensoniq hardware synthesizers (in reality a VFX-SD (modded to a SD-1 and a ESQ-1) with slight computer assistance for compositional arrangement and audio recording. With these synths, known for their special timbral quality, Gregory mapped out eight fine tracks of ambient soundscape music with sequenced parts, all conveying a timeless space to listeners. Opener “Sundial West” sets out nicely with smooth sequencer patterns and spacious textures, which made me think of Roach’s “Destination Horizon”. Also the warm, gliding soundscapes on next track “Eternal Panorama” stay close to the cinematic electronics and vibe found on Roach’s concept album “Western Spaces”. Pleasant atmospheric realms are further explored on “Sustained Environment” and “Sweeping the Soniq Spectrum”. The latter piece features a pronounced solo voice, followed by engaging spatial sequencing and the input of an analogue drum machine. “Dynamic Atmosphere”, carved out of minimal-oriented sequencers and layers of floating soundscapes, contains a strong move-forward feel with its dynamic undercurrents.

REVIEWS:

The album abounds with analog warmth, despite its digital origins. Classic-style melodic sequences sparkle and buzz. Electronic rhythms bounce, chug and hurry us along. Luminous chord progressions lift us up and expand our vision.

Sundial West starts the album with a gamelan-like intro, a sunrise invocation, a bouncy rhythm loping through the desert. There’s a strong sense of vast outdoor spaces here, sounds bouncing off distant rock formations under a blazing sky, as we travel without hurrying.

Of the album’s eight tracks, my favorites included the three most atmospheric pieces, and the most frenzied rhythmic one. That would be Sweeping the Soniq Spectrum, a nine-minute tour-de-force and easily the album’s slam-dunk soundtrack piece. Gorgeous spacy chords lift us up at the outset, with brassy chords adding more punch to the driving rhythmic lines later on.

Eternal Panorama is splendid and still, vast and earthy, with a slow, grounding rhythm and a vibrant and stately two-part melodic sequence. I wish that Sustained Environment, the album’s shortest track at under four minutes, had been sustained a few minutes longer. A lovely, shimmering chord, full of light, is held throughout, and long single notes rise and fall over a cool low sequence simulating a choir of frogs.

Contours & Cloudforms provides a strong closing for the album, starting with a subdued piano-like sequence under echoing bird calls and chimes. Beautiful, strongly-lit chords fly in over a minimal sequence and a lightly-tattering rhythm.

There are no great revelations here, but none are needed. The territory may be familiar, but the ride is no less enjoyable for it. Our tour guide has a firm grasp on the wheel, and his sense of fun is absolutely infectious. Don’t miss this album; I think you’ll be smiling when it’s done – as I was.
<Eyes Cast Down, online>

Tracklist

1.	Sundial West	10:32

2.	Eternal Panorama	7:19

3.	Transwave Oscillations	7:27

4.	Sustained Environment	3:47

5.	Sweeping The Soniq Spectrum	9:01

6.	Dynamic Atmosphere	9:00

7.	Wave Gliding	4:01

8.	Contours & Cloudforms	8:50

Credits

released January 1, 2011

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