Valery Siver & Kiryll Trepakov - Midway

Order Number elcd035

Retail Price from indie-cds.com site A$30.00: / Unit

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"Valery Siver and Kiryll Trepakov are Russian musicians who have joined forces after having been active on their own for some time. Both are trained classical guitarists, which is prominent on the album, though keyboards, synthesizers and percussion are also principle instruments. The CD opens with "N-Tro", a song hinting that "Midway" might be one of the more Rock oriented of Electroshock releases. The song segues into "Stress" which picks up the pace a bit, being something of space/jazz fusion tune with a 70's fusion keyboard sound, soaring UFO synths, acoustic guitar and percussion. "Hot Wind" is an intriguing blend of melodic progressive rock, Anthony Phillips, jazz, and light drum 'n bass rhythms. Scratchy hip-hop beats color "The Way". "Dansing" is a melodic spacey progressive rock tune that I enjoyed. Siver and Trepakov go even deeper into the cosmos on the lulling "Thirty Seconds" and "For a Lifetime", with their bubbling synths and mission control voice samples. For the most part the music is slow paced and highly meditative to the point of being hypnotic. Drifting waves of ambient drone are trademark elements as is the slowly soloing classical guitar. "Head on a Laps" is one of the most meditative tracks on the album with acoustic guitar, dreamy bass drones, and the sound of seagulls which conjure up images of drifting peacefully on the open sea. The song moves seamlessly into "Don", which picks up the beat with steadier percussion, deeper drones, pulsating alien synth embellishments, and much more of a "song" feel. Overall, a beautiful set of contemplative music with a welcome spacey vibe and some adventurous moments." - Jerry Kranitz ("Aural Innovations")

"One thing can be said about "Electroshock Records" without any fear of contradiction, and that's they're one hell of an interesting electronic label. I'd be the first to say that not all their releases have hit the mark, that would be, frankly, impossible, but all credit is given to them for not sticking to a winning formulae. It's only recently I finished the mammoth task of reviewing their last batch when bang! another five arrive. Not that I'm moaning, anything from this label is always a welcome addition. Valery Siver and Kiryll Trepakov's "Midway" (ELCD 035) had me hooked straight away. I think it was down to the instruments used on the opening track, "N-Tro". As crazy as this sounds, it reminded me of "Hatfield" - it definitely has that 'Canterbury' feel, which is crazy because both composers are Russian! Also, the rear CD piccy and the inside one of the abandoned farm really helped the imagery. Classic opener, let's see what else happens.... Well, I'm not disappointed! "Stress", the second track is anything but, and combined with "Hot Wind" (what a title!) is like a stroll along a towpath with willow trees dangling in the water, a true ambient experience. What I do like about this album is the occasional use of electric piano that reminds you of those Sepia tinged bygone days of classic "Hatfield' and "National Health". There's twelve tracks in all, each one around four to five minutes long, and there simply isn't a dull one. Maybe it might be a bit twee for some hard core electronic fans, but I find it a gentle departure from being challenged all the time with darker pieces. A really nice album." - Dave W. Hughes ("Modern Dance")