Saturday, 26th of July 2008 - Phil Derby / Electroambient Space Review of "Universal Quiet"

This review will be published in the August/September issue of Phil Derby's Electroambient Space, an E-magazine I alwas like to read.

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René van der Wouden “Universal Quiet”
(http://www.renevanderwouden.net/, 2008)
5 tracks, 58.46 mins

Universal Quiet features five lengthy tracks firmly rooted in the Berlin school style. Though the titles and cover art suggest soft, possibly even acoustic music, the album explore purely synthetic realms. “In Silence” starts as a nice floater before a bass sequence gets going, joined by male choirs, then a few more synths, and eventually a simple steady beat. Sounds are layered in just right as it goes, quite nice, a strong way to start. “Pin Drop” has a darker moodier sound to start, including what sounds like banging on sheet metal, which is actually cooler than you might think. The longest piece at nearly 18 minutes, it takes quite some time before the first sequencing arrives, a low brisk bass tone that almost growls before settling into more typical Teutonics. A light playful synth solo makes a good counterpoint to the low bass. Warm pads round things out, and van der Wouden rides this cool groove through to the end. Wind-like synths and mellotron flutes introduce “Be Quiet” which is indeed quiet and serene throughout, although soft beats and yet more sequencing keep it moving. This could pass for a Mind Over Matter track. “Go Quiet” seems to be a command rather than a description, as the music is fast paced from the get-go. “Get Quieter” is the final piece, bringing more good synths and sequencing to bear. Berlin school enthusiasts should enjoy this from beginning to end – I know I did.

© 2008 Phil Derby / Electroambient Space

Friday, 25th of July 2008 - progress new album

As you may have elsewhere on the I-net, I am finishing my next album "Sequential Tourism". This means that I am in the final mixing stage and will master the music in August '08.

The CD contains 4 lenghty tracks of sequential electronic music, primairly made on analogue systems. Also my favourite Yamaha synths, the CS50 and the SY99 will be heard extensively. The sequencing parts are done on the Studio Electronics MOOG SE1 and on the MacBeth M3x analogue synthesizers.

The music is inspired by the many kilometers I drove the last 12 months for work and holiday. I think it's an excellent listening experience while travelling by plain, train or car/truck.

The tracklisting: 1. Sequential Tourism (title track) 2. Bataille dans les nuages 3. Solitude (Soledad) 4. Arcadia total playing time approx. 64 minutes Style: contemporary EM (pictures will be added soon)

Release: September 2008 both on CDR and as a MusicZeit Download. The CD-Rs will be sold by me directly and the downloads at MusicZeit. Just send me an email with your address details and how many copies you want. Then I send you my Paypal address to complete the rest of the order. There're no shipping costs.