“Recreation is a light album where REWO had fun mixing genres and eras, a bit like kids who have fun in recreation”
1 Recreation 1 4:55
2 Recreation 2 6:46
3 Recreation 3 9:45
4 Recreation 4 4:38
5 Recreation 5 5:22
6 Recreation 6 4:46
7 Recreation 7 9:16
8 The last Recreation 17:00
(DDL 62:28) (V.F.)
(Analog cosmic rock)
This new René Van Der Wouden album comes from a studio session in the summer of 2004, a little before Pro Sequentia. Completely consistent with its title, RECREATION seems to me like a light album. The Dutch synthesist seems to have fun mixing genres and eras. From austere it can pass to frivolity and vice versa, giving a colorful album, without borders and without framing. A bit like kids who have fun in recreation with adequate supervision but who give more freedom.
The zigzagging intro of Recreation bangs metal against metal, until a very nice synth line is subdivided into effects and violins which draw a classic melody with high and harmonious notes. Under the tenderness effect of this melodious intro where the violin breaths are lost in time, keys assert themselves by hammering a repetitive sequence which makes undulating its nuances with the lines of scattered synths whose opposite hues fly over a sober rhythmic structure. The introduction of Recreation 2 is more dramatic with chords falling sharply. The resonances animate jumping keys which interweave their rhythmic equations while a harpsichord pierces a dense cloud which floats gently until the structure comes to life on a more unbridled rhythm. The moving and touching synth layers and waves surround this Recreation 2 and its varied intonations. We have the vague impression of hearing an accordion harmonizing with a fluid undulating sequence at the opening of Recreation 3. It's a good passage where a cloud of chords as varied as the instruments scatter its harmonies which intertwine with emotion. The rhythm becomes more jerky. Jumping on a good synth line which winds a sequencer with syncopated and nervous jets, it gets bogged down in the heavy veils and its shadows which caress and weaken it with the passion of our listening. Recreation 3 decreases its intensity with fascinating sucker pulsations of which the cello's lamentations and its bitter blows throw themselves in an overwhelming finale.
On Recreation 4, the notes are working hard against the roaring winds to become a good electronic ballad. It's good, it's soft and one hangs instantly to it! Recreation 5 is an atmospheric broth that ends on a very Jean-Michel Jarre structure and the much percussion rhythm of Recreation 6. It's a catchy title with slamming percussions which has everything to become a hit on a compilation of rhythmic EM. The undulating and lazy layers of Recreation 7 are crossed with dark chords that resonate in a starry cosmic atmosphere. This static waltz is crossed by a good line of arpeggios on a harpsichord which cradles our lunar attraction before being struck by a powerful percussion play with solid and furious strikes. A synth solo encircles this furious movement which multiplies it by solos with various sounds to fall back into a tranquility that fits perfectly with the harmonious start of The last Recreation. This last track of this studio session has a light enveloping atmospheric introduction, like its finale by the way. Between those, there is rhythm. Lots of rhythm running at full speed on a sequencer jerky by lively pulsations, adapting its modulations in harmonious structures. The riffs are heavy, the percussions cold and the pulsations filtered by a line of the sequencer doesn't lack imagination. Above all there is the synth of René Van Der Wouden and his heavy and enveloping layers which he creates with tenderness, even coming out of chime notes which wind an energetic and lively movement. Like a fascinating recreation.
Sylvain Lupari (January 18th, 2007) ***¼**
Available at REWO Bandcamp