ABSORBED IN DREAMS AND YEARNING REVIEW BY SYNTH MUSIC DIRECT AUGUST 2006
Looking at the track names and sleeve you'd be forgiven for expecting real ambient music here. So, imagine my surprise as I played the disc and was greeted by a fusion of ambient, contemporary chill-out and the good old Berlin 'schule'! Battle sounds (including horse neighs!) are heard briefly before a classic mid-register sequence builds. This is 'The battle that lasted eternally'. A languid, loping bass-line joins the mix as do various effects and a subtle pad. A rather ghostly melody is added, supported by snatches of 'tron. Hi-hats build and add another layer to this trance-like construction, to be followed by tom toms. The track then loops really, with some elements of the mix dropping out from time to time. I was a little un-engaged by it I must say, although it was well done.
A looping arpeggio and bass drones signal the start of Where the gods are watching'. Very analogue-like pads rise and squelch wondrously. A pair of melodies, one quite foreboding, play question and answer for a while until a rhythmic build at the 2 minute mark. Heavenly pads are nicely played against the slightly dark main melody, and suddenly the track has found its heart - I liked this one. A bass, Berlin-like sequence and faltering arpeggio open 'Through clear and frosty nights'. Symphonic pads and a simple but evocative melody are added. Key changes keep the harmonic interest high. A very Mario Schonwalder type jazzy solo flies through the mix. I began to feel at this point that Bjorn Jeppesen (the man behind Natterfrost) had found his feet – what a great track. 'Oxygene' era Jarre rhythms are slotted into the mix and the track is complete. A ring-modulated sequence heralds 'Visions of a pale moon'. A hollow pad hovers in the background and is soon joined by a menacing bass line. Heavily treated vocals and further arpeggios are added to create a very contemporary track, this one really belonged on a DiN CD – so I obviously loved it!
Abstract and very evil sounding effects create a dark atmosphere, we are in 'Valhal'! Heavenly pads begin to redress the dark feelings however, alongside a simple melody. At the 1.45 minute mark we enter a brief abstract section before a pair of sequences build – one bass laden and the other mid-register. Pads rise and fall as the sequences are manipulated. Just before the 7 minute mark we enter another abstract section before a new sequence – this one absolutely in the Berlin mode – emerges along with treated vocal samples. A piano-like melody plays around the sequence, and pads rise behind it. This end section was superb, but I felt that the rest of the track moved around too much.
From an icy wind a cracking sequence emerges, full of energy and constantly morphing - 'Descending from the stars' is here. A bass sequence and simple beat box percussion are rapidly deployed. Simple pads complete the frame before a synthpop - like melody (simple and repetitive but infectious) makes its presence felt. A simple, but great track. 'Absorbed in Dreams and Yearning' opens with bouncing arpeggios and abstract effects. Symphonic pads build. A great solo/melody is added next – it's heartfelt and soaring. I'd like to hear more of this from Jeppesen, as it makes his tracks really come to life. 'The northern lights' rounds off the set. A rumbling sequence moves into the soundfiled, bells toll in the background: this is atmospheric stuff. A sparse, bright melody picks its way through the backing. Symphonic elements are added but the track is restrained, the atmosphere maintained. This is a fine track.
I think that Natterfrost is a name to watch. When Jeppesen lets himself go, as he does on three tracks here, the music really flies free. A couple of the tracks lacked a heart I felt, but all were high quality. I think the CD deserves to be heard, but I think that his best is yet to come.