3.5

Release data:

René Splinter – Frames
CD, Groove Unlimited, 2014

After listening to “Frames”, I’m impressed by the confident attitude and the solid way this Dutch composer has accomplished this nice follow-up on his very strong and successful album “Modern Ruins”.

Most of all, the 57-minute/8-track sonic canvas stays true to the artist’s beliefs and vision, not hiding the influence of Johannes Schmoelling and melodic ’80’s Tangerine Dream (“Exit”) while adding his own touch and continuing/expanding his personal style of composition.

This is vibrant, joyful and evocative contemporary electronic music with lots of intrinsic energy, featuring great combos of drums and sequencing, topped by smooth solos and pads. “Strangers in the Land of Sunder” and “The Road to Transylvania” both make optimistic, moody outings that keep circling in your head long after.
Contrary to that, “Two Wanderers above the Sea of Fog” and “Stereopticon” sketch out warm, emotive atmospherics with a pleasant, classical touch. The title track is a short, beautifully molded and intimate exercise, of which René played a piano-version at UK’s Awakenings concert in September 2014. “Instant Memory” is the album’s easy-going outro in which the drums are featured more prominently.

All the listener has to do to get in a fine mood is simply enjoy the heart and soul the composer has put into “Frames”….

Website: www.renesplinter.com

You can see what reviews I have done of this artist on the René Splinter artist page