My first recording
released as Modulator ESP was 'random fluctuations' (available
from Merchandise
page), which combines a number pieces written during the
period 1995 - 2001. Part one was written specifically for this
project, using ideas from a planned solo gig that never came
to pass. Part two combines several older pieces into one
continuous piece using newly written bridging parts. 'the
vortex' is the oldest piece, originally composed in 1995 after
leaving the band Voyage Within. Cover artwork for the CD was
created by manipulation of random images using CorelDraw and
Photoshop graphics packages.
MP3 Samples: Currently
the 5 tracks that make up Part two are available to download
as full MP3s : 'dark
horizon', 'wardance',
'the guardian',
'the vortex' and
'celebration'.
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Random
Fluctuations is a two-part electronic suite composed and
recorded by Jez Creek in 2001. Each part is divided into
several sections that all have their own subtitles, so in the
end it's kind of a musical story. By listening to Jez' music,
I'd venture that he has prog rock background - there is a sense
of thematic development and multiple part transitions typical
of classic Progressive Rock works and also some classic EM
albums like Tangerine
Dream's "Tangram" or "Logos". So, if
you like early 80's Tangerine
Dream or the music of Mark
Shreeve, then this CD is for you. It's also quite
symphonic sounding, with great dynamics and rhythms. Dark
sounds get the first part underway. Soon subtle bass textures
are introduced as the soundscape becomes even more intense.
This is brooding music - very good stuff. After the 6 minute
mark the rhythms are deployed full-time as well as some solos
and sequences. I found my head nodding as I listened to this.
Great themes and melodies! All is quite and mysterious again
after 9 minutes into the track. Of course this section is a
transition to the next part that has some warm flowing pads
and is surprisingly gentle. Very, very good! Slow rhythm keeps
things tight, while the melodies do soar in the sonic ether in
a soothing and comforting way. There's even a hint of
solemnity in there. The rhythm becomes faster and there are
some symphonic textures that strongly remind of
"Tangram"-era TD.
This is uplifting EM at it's best. And, oh, those solos...! It
reminds me on EM from the days gone by. The track ends rather
abruptly. The second part starts with dramatic string / drum
section. Pretty suspenseful stuff. Some e-drums are introduced
along with a melodic sequence and we have a rhythmic section
that's halfway between sad and mysterious. The dramatic
strings and drums return after a while, sounding like an
orchestral movie soundtrack. This time the string sounds are
combined with the electronic rhythm and piano playing. Some
great synth soloing is also welcome. There's a short
intermission after which we get upbeat sequencer lines and a
fast theme depicting the war I guess (according to the
subtitle). Some very 80's electronic drums (Simmons-like) are
used to great effect here. A piano theme comes next, with the
sounds of wind in the background. The rhythmic elements do not
take long to appear and take control of the proceedings. It's
a mysterious and somewhat reflective part. Some processed
voices are heard as the screaming solo takes over after 17
minutes into the track. Everything fits perfectly - from
voices, to rhythms, to sequences, solos and atmospheres. It
all calms down and all we hear for a while are phased /
processed synth pads along with some recurring effects. But
after a while another excellent melodic motif appears. I loved
this part - very complex, even reminding a bit on some of Klaus
Schulze material from the 80's. The final section starts
with bleeping synths and upbeat rhythm. This is a bit techno
influenced (mainly in the rhythms department). I loved the
urgent electric piano motif although the main theme is a bit
too "techno" for my taste. "Random
Fluctuations" is a darn fine album of melodic thematic
Electronic Music, that those into most of vintage EM will
enjoy, be it early 80's Tangerine
Dream, the less sequenced Mark
Shreeve, some 70's Vangelis
or even Dave
Greenslade's "Pentateuch of the Cosmogony".
Review by Artemi Pugachov from: Encyclopedia of Electronic
Music |