|
René Splinter and Eric van der Heijden are both known as accomplished and successful solo artists, but when they decided to join forces as Uni Sphere in 2015, a special sonic chemistry was born. From there on, they started to expand on their signature sound made up of melodic, atmospheric, and immersive, creating soundscapes that push the boundaries of electronic music on their respective albums “EndLess EndeavoR” (2015) and “TempUS” (2021). Well, captivating and highly emotive sounds lead the way on the project’s third album, “OpUS Tria”, which will see the light of day (and be played live in concert) at “E-Live 2025”. From the start, the 64-minute/6-track album proves another strong and consistent effort due to its profound, energetic, and captivating sound design in which the sonic footprints of Eric and Rene shine through clearly. This, alongside some lovely vibes of ’80s TD/Johannes Schmoelling, and some occasional immersive sonic poetry. A strong statement of all these elements is already found in the strong opener “Silent Bloom of Thunder”. Another tantalizing yet mesmerizing sonic exercise is “Shifting your Horizon”, featuring lovely spatial sequences, warm mellotron flute, and ethereal pads, while tranquil, gentle, flowing, and shifting introspective spaces are explored on “Through the Quiet Zone”. An open, spatial ’80 TD/Schmoelling-sound and style spreads its wings firmly on the nearly 16-minute, more complex “The Universe in US” that’s characterized by nicely shifting energy levels. The aforementioned also applies to the emotive, feel-good final piece “Where the Light Begins… and Ends”, a compelling track resembling a sparkling encore of a great ’80s TD concert. All in all, a high five goes to you guys for bringing the scene another thoughtfully composed, very well-mixed and mastered work of sound art. |
| Website: Groove.nl
You can see what reviews I have done of this artist on the Uni Sphere artist page. Sonic Immersion © 2025 |
