Gert Emmens has the unique ability to mix the pure essence of the Berlin School with excellent melodies. In his music, there is almost no room for ultra-long intros and stretched sequencer lines. No, all of his tracks have a head and tail. This approach has put the Dutchman on the very top of electronic music and "When Darkness falls upon the Earth" proves this once again. This album is the best he has ever made.
The album starts in "Rendezvous With 2004 MN4" with a great (short) ambient intro after which the sequences and rhythms fall in. Gert’s solos (amongst others -he uses a lot of "old" gear- the legendary Yamaha CS80-synth) are fat and fitting. What an opening. But there is more.
The title track and "Nostalgia" contain some of the best melodies Gert has ever composed.
"Casting Shadows On The Cold Ground", quite Tangerine Dream-like, is maybe the best Berliner Schule-track he has come with so far. The sequences are masterful.
"The Morning After (extended version)" was initial a piece written for "Analogy", an analog project that will be released soon.
The last track "Requiem Pour Sam" is a short melancholic track that was made especially for two fans of Gert because of the sad loss of their little boy Sam. With "When Darkness Falls Upon The Earth", Gert delivers the best retro-EM has to offer nowadays. And the cover -by Pablo Magne- is again a treat.
credits
released January 15, 2016
Composed, played, recorded and produced by Gert Emmens
Mastered by Ron Boots
Gert Emmens - ARP Odyssey, Boss DR-660, Doepfer Maq 16/3, Elektor Formant, EMU E6400 Ultra, EMU Vintage Keys Plus, Farfisa Syntorchestra, Hohner String Performer, Korg 700s, Korg Lambda, Korg MS2000r, Korg Wavestation EX,Mam MB 33,MFB Synth II, Moog Minimoog, Moog Opus III, Roland M-DC1, Roland M-OCI, Roland M-VS1, Roland SH-32, Transidrums U-77, Vermona ER9, Yamaha AN1x *2, Yamaha CS80, Yamaha SY85
supported by 18 fans who also own “When darkness falls upon the earth”
honestly this album takes quite a bit of time and many listening rounds to actually "get into". No doubt it is technically excellent, with more advanced composition elements than earlier records, however it isn't that easily accessible either. Perhaps this is actually a strength as each time you will listen to there will be more details to discover. Martin R
supported by 16 fans who also own “When darkness falls upon the earth”
Under the Dome had the privilege of sharing the bill with Kubusschnitt at this gig. Their set was fantastic, with some great sequencing and guitar work. Delta Phase in particular blew me away live, and the whole album still stands up to detailed listening in a home environment today. utdgrant
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