Edgar Allan Poe’s The Island of The Fay (Purple Pyramid, 2012)
Pioneering German band Tangerine Dream goes back to its space electronic music roots in this new album titled Edgar Allan Poe’s The Island of The Fay. Originally released in 2011, it was picked up by Cleopatra Records imprint Purple Pyramid for wider distribution.
The Island of The Fay features Tangerine Dream’s characteristic bass synth lines, morphing sequences and melodies. Most of the album combines electronic ambiance and tapestry of textures with pulsating sequencer lines. At times, however, the band ventures into more cinematic and symphonic territory. One of the highlights of the album is the spectacular electric violin work of Hoshiko Yamane, who creates beautiful soaring melodies. Track 5 is an oddity, with sequencers that pick up the pace and the music gets closer to electronic dance music.
Edgar Allan Poe’s original short work “The Island of The Fay” appears reprinted in full in the CD booklet.
Tangerine Dream has another recent recording titled Under Cover that we don’t recommend. It’s an album of covers with forgettable vocals; probably the worse album ever made by Tangerine Dream.