“Soft rhythms sculpted in the beats of delicate sequences, Namaste is this kind of album where a relaxing, a meditative music is not at all sedative”
1 Namaste 10:03 2 Floating Clouds 14:23 3 The Dream 7:43 4 Sea of Tranquility 14:15 5 Govinda 12:30 SynGate Luna | TM08
(CD-r/DDL 77:48) (V.F.) (Ambient sequencer-based)
Sequences with variegated tones of cracklings a little bit organic trace a structure of muddled rhythm. A structure which zigzags with a movement of stationary ascent where the keys sizzle in the muffled pulses of bass sequences. And this rhythm takes refuge under the warm caresses of the very ethereal voice of Ruth Koelzner. This voice remains the key element of the title-track with warm and incantatory breezes which float on a structure of staggering rhythm, uncertain and which at times must be based on the thumps of bass pulsations and percussions. As if by magic, the sonic universe of TM Solver wraps our ears with a multitude of ringing and percussions that combine the Tablas genre with those more electronic. Dramatic effects, pushed by the deaf impulses of the bass lines, also add a rich depth to this canvas once again very well set with these sequences whose hybrid tones are the charms and the signature of Thomas Meier. After an album inspired by the astonishing landscapes of Iceland (Polymorph), the German synthesist simultaneously launches an album transported by the heavenly charms of the landscapes of Nepal. Released by the Luna division of SynGate, NAMASTE is indeed a more ambient album. But not totally ambient! To say the least, not as we imagine ambient music. The rhythms are softer and sculpted through these sequences brewed with eclectic tones which are finely drummed, and which skip peacefully in these envelopes of mist. In these chirping and these lamentations of synth which try as much to twitter than to sing. In these attractive orchestrations, certain tearful, among which the effects of tenderness and of meditation are cajoled by the voice of Ruth Koelzner. That might be on the Luna division, thus ambient music, NAMASTE is not really far from the usual hypnotic and catchy rhythms of TM Solver, in particular Polymorph where the last two tracks seem to have drawn the ways to this album that should seduce by its clearly more celestial approach.
Floating Clouds presents these sequences and chords so characteristic of TM Solver's sounds and beats arsenal. They skip and dance weakly in the slow veils of the orchestral mists. The genre reminds me a lot of Software's music but in a more emotional pattern with a synth which spreads its long tears on a structure of rhythm whose swiftness takes root in the muffled knocks of the pulsations. The slow rhythm adopts the shape of a good magnetizing lunar down-tempo which is decorated of chirpings, of electronic dialogues and especially caressed by the warm breezes of analog tones and others more silvered which melt in the soft orchestrations. Their veils of tenderness cajole a passive rhythm which always seems on the edge of overflowing. The soft voice of Ruth Koelzner comes back to cuddle our ears on the delicate ambient rhythm of The Dream which swirls on finely drummed sequences. Its celestial lamentations form an eclectic duet with a synth which throws some brief harmonic chords without forgetting to release clouds of ether. It's a quiet and restful track which ties itself very well to Sea of Tranquility. The duet Koelzner/Meier will return with a slightly livelier structure in Govinda which is doubtless the most animated track of the album. A track that takes us out of our state of beatitude after the superb one which is Sea of Tranquility and its essence of the Middle East. The orchestrations spread a dense morphic veil which embraces the drumming of the sequences, while a delicate aroma of flute is floating with its scents of hypnotism. The synth throws solos carrier of reverie and of which the caresses at the hearing are sources of bewitchment. If we are not sleeping here, we are near contemplation. With amazement, this track reminds me of Klaus Schulze in his meditation times.
An impression moreover which describes the character of the melodic minimalist rhythms and the very melancholic moods of NAMASTE where the fusion of Ruth Koelzner's delicate voice to the opal mists and to the very well nuanced orchestrations are flowing to our ears with a good impression. A parallel to be made with the duet Schulze/Gerrard? If there is one, that would be at the level of the ambiences which, at times, remind me those of a dreamy and very nostalgic Klaus Schulze. Regarding the voice of Koelzner; it seems less powerful than Lisa Gerrard's, but she is still rather charming. In the end, this album remains an attractive one. Ideal for relaxing, this is meditative music. Not a sedative one.
Sylvain Lupari (December 19th, 2014) ***½**
Available at SynGate Bandcamp