Syndromeda - A Day In The Fields

In stock


SynGate Dist. CD SS05 [SinSyn]
released 2005

This album comes close on the heals of 'Metaphysical Experiences' but even though it is quite recognisable as Syndromeda the realization of the project came together in a very different manner. Danny Budts, the man who is Syndromeda, was asked if his music could be used as part of an artist exhibition celebrating the 850th anniversary of Ekeren, the village in Belgium where he lives. He composed a completely fresh series of works, the music you have here, inspired by a nature reserve in the village where the exhibition was to be mainly based. A dramatic kettledrum rhythm and brass flourishes get the opener 'Awakening' underway. It has an almost Jim Kirkwood feel to it as if an army is poised about to enter into battle, though the actual image in mind was probably the sun rising, banishing the darkness. Mellotron pads then take over, soon to be replaced by a melodic sequence. 'Morning Orchids' starts with a beautiful, gentle piano solo. Another sequence, quite a rapid one this time, comes into play then some menacing but laser sharp lead lines fly over the top which are countered from time to time by softer melodies. 'Time Goes By' initially slows the pace but keeps in dramatic mood as intense stabs of sound make sudden attacks to gradually fade away. The real stars here though are the simply beautiful melodic sequence and devastating lead line, which compliment each other perfectly. We finish with the sound of church bells. What a fantastic piece of music! 'Thunderous Earth' is a short very syncopated number which takes us to 'Listen to the Trees'. Ethnic tinged wordless vocal effects are replaced by an ominous bass drone. A slow deep sequence, full of attitude, is quickly followed by a second. Wonderful mellotron then comes in - moody stuff. Vocoded spoken text fits perfectly with the atmos as does yet another superb lead melody. It is a track full of attitude and has much more of a bite than the title might suggest. 'The Voice of the Land' begins with lovely melancholy cello around which lick little electronic effects. In the second minute the pace increases a little as a sequence / rhythm combination become the main focus. There is an uneasy edginess to it all. 'Welcome to Paradise' carries on in a similar mood. As the pace slowly starts to increase however, so does the excitement. 'The Flow' slows things down again with dark, deep, breathy pads. We finish with 'A New Breath' which is apparently based on 'Stabat Mater' from Vivaldi. I don't actually know this title but the melodies did seem familiar. It does have something of a classical feel to it mixing Organ sounds, electronics and ethereal wordless vocals. So there you have it 24 hours in the life of the 'Oude Landen'. From listening to the music I reckon it must be a very beautiful place. (DL)

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