Release data:

Robert Schroeder – SphereWare
CD, Spheric Music, 2007

I lost track of Robert Schroeder and his music quite a long time ago, as I thought it had become mediocre and too predictable, although I saw him perform live a couple of times in recent years at jamsessions in Germany.

“Sphereware” is his second release on Spheric Music (but his 16th solo-album), and it’s a nice surprise indeed. This music sounds fresh, blending sounds from various corners of electronic music: chill-out, Berliner School and contemporary electronics.
There’s a modern but also very lush feel found in the music of “Sphereware”, which also contains some typical Charly McLion-like guitars licks.

I personally think Schroeder is at his best when he moves into ambient soundscapes (such as the nice opener “Access to Dream” and the next track “A Quarter of an Hour”).
The fifth track “Illuminated Signs” is the only weak spot on the album with its dull solo-voice, lacking content and musically leading nowhere. The warm textures and choirs blended with very nice percussion make “Flying Saucers” a strong dreamy track, not to forget about the beautiful atmospherics of the closing title track.

The album’s content certainly gives hope for other music in the years to come, I sincerely hope Robert will continue and keep up evolving his musical trademark.

Website: www.news-music.de

You can see what reviews I have done of this artist on the Robert Schroeder artist page