Impossible Geometries (1995)
---Apr 2005
---10/4/26
This is where it all began for one of the more prolific Tangerine Dream styled English trios coming out of the 90s. I had called out Impossible Geometries as possibly their weakest album, and that may be the case. But it is their first and it remains a strong title. I'm inclined to keep this, and we'll see where the other two remaining titles land after evaluation.
Ownership: 1995 Neu Harmony (CD). Booklet with liner notes. Acquired in 2005.
4//05 (review); 10/4/26 (update)
Thunderhead (1998)
Thunderhead (1998)
Airsculpture were one of a handful of Tangerine Dream revivalists coming from Europe in the late 90s. All of their albums are very good and consistent with the Berlin School aesthetic. Airsculpture are less distinctive than their brethren such as Redshift, ARC, Radio Massacre International, and Free System Projekt. This was the first one I bought by them, but I think I'll let it go.
1998 Neu Harmony (CD). Acquired in 2001.
2001; 9/5/24 (review)
Of the three prominent UK based Berlin School electronic revivalist groups, AirSculpture were the most purest. That is to say, they never ventured beyond the keyboard trio format. No forays into space rock, or modern electronics. No real drums, or electric guitar. Nope - just synthesizers. So for my tastes, they were the least interesting of the bunch, though I own all their works to the point of this album, as they certainly are very good at what they do.
Playing on another popular theme, this is AirSculpture's trip-to-the-USA album. Whereas fellow countrymen Radio Massacre International weighed in with Solid States, an album highly influenced by Tangerine Dream's Encore, AirSculpture's schtick was the use of acoustic piano that was procured for them onshore. Which I quite liked personally, and a rare deviation for the group. Piano is an instrument that works well in electronic music, providing the warmth and elegance missing in what can be a sterile genre if not done correctly. The album is over two hours long, and each disc opens with a lengthy piano section (I didn't time them, but they're not too long, just the right amount), followed by sequencers, and later, improvisations. That was their stated intention, and pretty much that's what these live concerts are. Two hours is a lot of music, so it's not the kind of album that captures your undivided attention for long stretches. It works better as a soundtrack to a country drive in the evening, or a quiet Sunday afternoon of introspection.
TranceAtlantic was pretty much the last hurrah for AirSculpture from a traditional release standpoint. It was their final CD release for Neu Harmony. The band is still active, releasing only downloads and CD-R albums, which is a pity (there are a couple of exceptions). I stopped here with AirSculpture as well, as it didn't seem the band were going to progress beyond the boundaries they set for themselves. Not necessarily a fair statement, since I haven't heard their albums of the last 12 years, but one based on observations of their first decade together.
1997 Neu Harmony (2xCD). Acquired in 2004.
9//04; 2/26/17 (review)
TranceAtlantic (2005)
Playing on another popular theme, this is AirSculpture's trip-to-the-USA album. Whereas fellow countrymen Radio Massacre International weighed in with Solid States, an album highly influenced by Tangerine Dream's Encore, AirSculpture's schtick was the use of acoustic piano that was procured for them onshore. Which I quite liked personally, and a rare deviation for the group. Piano is an instrument that works well in electronic music, providing the warmth and elegance missing in what can be a sterile genre if not done correctly. The album is over two hours long, and each disc opens with a lengthy piano section (I didn't time them, but they're not too long, just the right amount), followed by sequencers, and later, improvisations. That was their stated intention, and pretty much that's what these live concerts are. Two hours is a lot of music, so it's not the kind of album that captures your undivided attention for long stretches. It works better as a soundtrack to a country drive in the evening, or a quiet Sunday afternoon of introspection.
TranceAtlantic was pretty much the last hurrah for AirSculpture from a traditional release standpoint. It was their final CD release for Neu Harmony. The band is still active, releasing only downloads and CD-R albums, which is a pity (there are a couple of exceptions). I stopped here with AirSculpture as well, as it didn't seem the band were going to progress beyond the boundaries they set for themselves. Not necessarily a fair statement, since I haven't heard their albums of the last 12 years, but one based on observations of their first decade together.
1997 Neu Harmony (2xCD). Acquired in 2004.
9//04; 2/26/17 (review)
Also own: Attrition System; Quark Soup
Previously owned: Europa, Fjord Transit
3/4/17 (new entry)
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