This chap was in Tangerine Dream with Edgar Froese and for some time had been studying philosophy and psychology rather than making music but in 2014 he decided to switch back again.
The process began by building a recording studio and then he called Edgar. They met in January 2015 and it seemed highly likely that they would make music together again but unfortunately Edgar passed away a few days later. What we have instead is this solo effort from Peter. Tangerine Dream are a band whose work I am largely ignorant of so it is difficult for me to compare but far better to judge a thing on its own merits. Suffice it to say there are probably keyboard-related similarities between this album and that band.
I had perhaps expected something more 'industrial' when I thought about the title of this album. Having played it quite a lot I would describe it as a cross between Jean Michel Jarre, John Carpenter and Vangelis. Much of the keyboard has a classical vibe and otherwise it tends to be on an Arabian tip or a trip through the desert.
Most of the titles are portentous (Searching In Vain, Crossing The Abyss and Dust To Dust) although I am not convinced the tracks live up to such heavyweight billing. The rhythmical side of things is elusive and just out of reach which I imagine was a conscious decision so as not to overpower the music. This is a perfectly natural decision to make for anyone writing songs but from a personal point of view I feel the album would have benefited from more 'machine'.
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There are some nice up to date drum sounds on the album but they almost seem superfluous and in a way that's a shame, 'Echoes In The Cave' being a case in point. Overall it is a bit of a frustrating album for me. I want to love it and at times I almost reach that point ('Ordinary Wonder' has lovely childlike keys on it) but then I find myself sliding back down the hill seemingly powerless to halt the slide.
I think the main issue is the keyboard style and possibly the sound as well, which just isn't my cup of tea but I am sure fans of TD would disagree with me and I would be more than happy for them to do so. 'Crossing The Abyss' ends up sounding more like 'Trip To The Shops' if you catch my drift. 'Dancing In The Dark' doesn't try too hard and is decent enough but in conclusion this album is an in and out affair.
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