| Lp/
Anyone expecting something like his classic “Departure from the Northern Wasteland” will be disappointed as “Xcept One” presents an assortment of noisy, driving progressive electronics with digital drums/rhythmic percussion matched with melodic synth lines. In particular, the sound of Synclavier and Oberheim synthesizers is featured throughout. “Xcept One” appeared after a nine-year hiatus wherein the composer focused on film scoring and soundtrack work. At that time, the founders of the instrumental-focused Cinema Records label sought to feature him alongside artists like Patrick Moraz and Pete Bardens, aiming to blend experimental electronic sounds with more accessible progressive structures. “Spectral Gong”, made with Harold Budd, is the only piece on the 36-minute release taking the quiet, ambient dronescape avenue. The other tracks all prove energetic and straightforward, slightly resembling some of the sound design of TD “Optical Race”, Mark Shreeve’s commercial/library works, or the “Rocky 5” soundtrack. In retrospect, despite its quirky, bold, and uneven execution, the album certainly has its moments. |
| Sonic Immersion © 2026 |
