Release data:

Nattefrost & Matzumi – From Distant Times
CD, Groove Unlimited, 2012

“From Distant Times” is the first full-length album by Nattefrost (aka Danish synthesist Bjørn Jeppesen) and Matzumi (aka German composer Kathrin Manz), realized between September 2010 and February 2012.

Starting out in a symphonic manner on the first track, the music already shifts to an accessible type of melodic, sequencer-driven music from the second track on. One can clearly hear the stark fingerprint of Nattefrost shining through the 9-track/61-minute outcome, mixing pssst-pssst-percussion, choir textures, symphonic soundscapes, occasional female singing and powerful synth pads.

The music is of a tasty and driving nature, sometimes to almost dancing effect, while it also reveals some mellow sides now and then. “Rise of the Phoenix” and “Time Passing”, both found in the middle of the album, are without doubt the highlights of the release: they sophisticatedly merge the driving elements to tantalizing effect.
On the other hand, the smooth soaring solo on “The New Dawn” though sounds like Robert Schroeder is joining the duo briefly.

All in all, “From Distant Times” is a fine draft of contemporary electronic music that will kick some ass in the general melodic genre, and most certainly turn out to be another winning release from the established Groove Unlimited label.

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