Release data:

Geigertek – Soundtrack for City Living
CD/DIGITAL DOWNLOAD, AD Music, 2011

“Soundtrack for City Living” is Geigertek’s sonic sketch of the varied feelings and moods encountered in the vibrant nightlife of an imaginary city.

The opening piece “Beyond the Garden” starts out as a cinematic, spherical and warm soundscape composition, nicely spiced with gentle percussion and smooth soaring solo voices. In the second half though, things shift to more up-tempo and rhythmic, with the solo getting quicker but also quite annoying due to the extensive use of pitch control. A quiet-rhythmic, but far more symphonic and ethereal style is heard on the “Beauty of Decay”. The slight Vangelis-like mood offers nice echoing piano keys and a soprano voice hovering over a groovy but holdback sequence.

Next is a cover version of John Foxx’s 1980 classic electronica track “Underpass”. It starts with grand symphonic textures, but soon a mesmerizing rhythm, textures and piano are introduced together with (exaltating) vocals. More (female) vocals and lyrics are featured on “Devil may Care”, which to me sounds as it being part of a musical score, but no really my cup of tea. “Moonlight Interlude” settles down with a romantic flavour of piano and expansive (again Vangelis-kindred) synth-textures, later on complimented with a not so great sound of a lonely sax.
“A Rainfall Moment” turns out lush and spherical, featuring a nice interplay of keys, rhythms and e-guitar. Its symphonic sphere reminds of Claus Bockstandt’s “Romantic Dreams”. The 12-minute “West 9” offers frettless contrabass along a nice solo sound and symphonic soundscapes. Unfortunately, I can’t adjust to its overall jazzy feel, that’s also emphasized by the soloing trumpet kicking in halfway. A distinct Vangelis-feel is again close-by. The album ends with “Fast Lane”, an attractive and nicely sequenced up-tempo piece with vibrant soloing that would make a nice finale or encore at a live performance.

All in all, I perceive similarities with Vangelis’ release “The City”, but at the same time the well-produced “Soundtrack for City Living” also turns out to be sonically different, speaking its own voice.

Website: neilfellowes.bandcamp.com

You can see what reviews I have done of this artist on the Geigertek artist page