"Ancient Tracks" is an album by Dom F. Scab that was released only through his official site in 2001 without any cover art. It was just available for a short period of time so now it is a rare and hard to find item.

The album features a collection of 10 unreleased rare tracks. The music is in the vein of retro Berlin School blended with melodic elements that is somehow reminiscent to the works of Tangerine Dream and Vangelis.

Recommended.

Spanish synthesists John Lakveet and Dom F. Scab have collaborated together in the creation of "Silent Mars". This is an album that explores their common interests in the most cosmic sector of electronic music. The album also includes elements typical of the most symphonic side of the New Instrumental Music. By using powerful sequencers and a careful selection of synthesizers with which both artists feel identified (as for instance the legendary Yamaha CS-80) they have created a brilliant collection of pieces inspired on the exploration of planet Mars.

Each theme has its own personality, and awakens different emotions. One of the most melancholy pieces, which also invites the listener best to reflect on the important things of life, is "Twelve Wishes". In "The Aisle Moves" human stubborness and ingenuity to face difficulties and dangers so as to achieve the desired goal is remarkably portrayed. Energy and optimism can be perceived in such themes as "La Source Des Dieux" and "Tricks & Games of Mrs. Thumb". Mystery, the taste of adventure and the excitement of travelling towards the unknown are likewise the sensations that flow from the compositions in this album.

Definitely, "Silent Mars" is one of those works that prove that electronic music which can be labelled as Space Music can sound surprisingly warm and near to the listener, like a soundtrack for life.

Spanish synthesist Dom F. Scab has quite a large discography and has established himself as an important figure in electronic music. He is taking the Berlin School of spacey sequencer-driven electronics in new directions. Never too abstract or experimental, his music is full of classic Teutonic sequencing blended with melodic elements.

"Innerseed" was the first solo work by the former At-Mooss member Dom F. Scab. Given his clear artistic maturity, it is surprising that we have had no chance to enjoy his music before. The artist drinks from Electronic Music classical sources, yet also from the most innovative trends. He takes care of everything, the composition and arrangements, as well as the instruments and the recording & mixing, clearly proving that we are dealing with an experienced musician with excellent skills, not only as a performer but also in the creative arena. His compositions are overflown with dynamism, symphonic grandeur, a shattering rhythm, and occasionally, also romanticism and passion. His style is a mixture of Space Sequencer Music and melodic symphonism. "Innerseed" is conceptually based on an amazing Science Fiction topic: a living machine. Through nine themes eminently melodic in nature in which Dom utilizes all sorts of synthesizers and sequencers, the listener feels trapped and attracted towards a sonic landscape that evokes impressive journeys and adventures.

The album opens with "Inner" and what a classic piece of EM this is. First thing I noticed was the superb sequential detail - a fast and complex lattice which forms the perfect backdrop to a superbly balanced rhythmic outing which, the more I hear, brings to mind a late 80’s Tangerine Dream at the very peak of their form. The stabbing vox are very characteristic of TD around that period, and it very much reminded me of the likes of "Mount Shasta" which for me is the stand out track from the otherwise forgettable "Lily On The Beach".

This album is certainly not a 'wall of sound' EM roller-coaster, veering more into laid back territory. However, it's strength lies in the subtle detail which is constantly present. The sequences are very carefully crafted, yet despite the obvious lengths to which the artist has gone to get these just right they are not used to 'showboat' and dominate the CD - rather the other elements of melody and texture are positioned with equal attention and imagination. Consequently the result is an impressively subtle collage of electronic sounds.

"Heart Of The Machine" continues the strong form. Subdued sequencing mutates subliminally as delicate motifs are picked out on piano and synths. "Fear To Void" opens on a classic chattering sequence, and the electronic patterns just keep on flowing for track after track to the superb "Saving Dreams". Opening with careful pads and suggested motifs the sequences emerge from the ether. The result is very reminiscent of early Wavestar, and when the guitars are introduced the picture is complete. The sequence voices are manipulated in classic fashion, and overall it is a magnificent piece. The album closes with "Seed", a short melodic rhythmic piece.

This CD is a whole surprise. Dom F. Scab deserves to be taken into account and paid attention to. Mention must be made of the participation in this album of Albert Gimenez (former member of Neuronium and Macromassa) playing E-guitar & E-bow.

Recommended.

Christopher Franke was, early in his career, right on the cutting edge of the freshness of electronic music. Indeed, as a member of Tangerine Dream, he helped to pioneer the genre and achieved much acclaim as a founder of the Berlin School of e-music. Unfortunately, after he left TD, he became more interested in the mass production of music. The quality of his albums has suffered as a result. He has, however, released four CDs that rate as good to excellent. "Klemania" is one of the good ones. (KLEM is an organization dedicated to the advancement and promotion of electronic music.)

"Klemania" has two long-form (over 21 minutes) pieces and one short (4 minute) piece. Within his soundscapes, Franke visits the Berlin School and other domains. There are deep atmospheres, heavy experiments and dynamic rhythms. Gentle melodies weave around and through those elements to complete the soundscapes.

This is a good CD. In relation to Franke's entire career, it is a disappointment. In relation to his solo career, it is a fine disc. It will appeal to fans of Klaus Schulze, Edgar Froese, Paul Haslinger and Johannes Schmoelling.

Christopher Franke is an amazing artist and has composed excellent music for the Babylon 5 series along with many movies over the years. Following his departure from his band of 18 years Tangerine Dream, his solo output has been stunningly beautiful and his 1994 album "Enchanting Nature" is the pinnacle of his solo output barring movie related compositions.

"Enchanting Nature" is not a completely new entry in the Christopher Franke's discography. Instead, it's mostly a targeted compilation of altered & remixed material, with four completely new tracks (out of 14 total) added. As honestly indicated on the cover, this release is targeted at a new audience, rather than at collectors, but I am sure that the latter will want to have this beautiful CD in their collection as well. In my opinion, as hard as it is to image, "Enchanting Nature" improves upon the original release, "Pacific Coast Highway".

"Enchanting Nature"'s contents are mostly taken from Franke's first solo studio album, "Pacific Coast Highway". The new tracks (first and last two) are composed in a similar vein - light piano melodies with a misty air of soft synthesizer passages. Nevertheless, this is not average easy listening music - laws, no. It's classical in composition structure, perfectly executed, bearing the stigma of enormous compositional experience Franke had within Tangerine Dream.

This is a wonderful album that you should not pass up, even if you're not a major New Age zealot. The title may be a bit cheesy but believe me, this album is beyond enchanting!

Christopher Franke's first solo record upon leaving Tangerine Dream is a travelogue saluting the rugged, and often majestic, California coastline environs. Franke here has largely jettisoned his trademark sequencer labyrinths of yesteryear and instead substituted grand pianos, austere digital synths and subtle percussive shadings. The music is surprisingly melodic, highly accessible, and immaculately produced.

"Driving Into Blue" uses digitized pianos to convey a sense of speed while commuting along white sandy shorelines. "Purple Waves" is an intimate work for synthetic voice choirs, wind-chime electronics and piano that suggests fluorescent sunsets and afternoon silences, with sounds that caress and balm the spirit.

"Pacific Coast Highway" is Franke's most personal statement to date, far from the experimental tropes of Tangerine Dream, but quite charming in its simplicity.

Recommended.