Derrick Stembridge and Mike Petruna – “Cryptic Logic”

Derrick Stembridge is already back with a new album. This time, he is teamed up with fellow electronic and industrial musician, Mike Petruna. They have produced the album Cryptic Logic, set to be released on February 9, 2024, through Labile Records.

As they describe it, “Cryptic Logic, is an exploration of sound that transcends traditional boundaries. The album encapsulates the unique synergy between Petruna’s dynamic beats and Stembridge’s ethereal ambient soundscapes. It invites listeners to embark on a journey through a musical universe that is both expansive and introspectively deep”.

Mike Petruna adds, “This album culminates our artistic explorations. We wanted to create something that wasn’t just heard, but deeply felt.” Derrick Stembridge adds, “Working on ‘Cryptic Logic’ has been a journey in music, emotion, and experience, a massive homage to the sounds of the past. We’re excited to share this piece of our lives with the world.”

I have reviewed some of Derrick Stembridge’s albums and have found them to be an innovative and elaborate mix of wonderful and mind stimulating electronic journeys. I have not reviewed any of Mike Petruna’s albums, so I was eager to hear what his involvement would add to Stembridge’s sound.

Cryptic Logic opens with the song, “Ephemeral”; with its early dawn, bright light keyboards, that shine like the sunrise; set to the perfect beats that Mike Petruna performs.

Following this wonderful, soundscape beginning, is the track, “Understand, Forgive and Remain”. It begins the exploration and journey which will take us both to our inner self, and beyond the confines of our consciousness to examine a life beyond the one, which we live daily. They add verbalizations, but the words are hard to determine.

“Plastique”, is the next track, and it provides a stunning memory of the movie, 2001 Space Odyssey’s, discovery of the monolith. The sound is less profound as the original, but I still hear similarities. Pounding beats are added to surround your ears with movement, as synths and keyboards run rampant throughout the soundscape. An almost ping pong sound plays, right before the band brings back memories of Vangelis’ Blade Runner soundtrack; mixed well with some of Larry Fast’s synthesizer classics. Thank you very much, for the journey back.

The mind is a wonderful thing. Imagine if you could drive through this amazing piece of creation. “Labyrinth of the Mind”, takes that deep, inner journey, with what sounds like guitar chords, mixed well with beats and keyboard synths. The deeper the sound, the deeper the journey gets into this amazing creation. We were all hoping for something like this on this album. The title suites this song perfectly.

“Cryptic Logic”, the title track, does stand out from the other tracks, and seems to have an imaginative journey, all its own. The collaborative genius of Mike and Derrick, work together to surprise us with something absolutely original and ethereal in beauty. Beauty of sound and the use of instrumentation. Beyond the level soundscape allure of synthesizers, there exists an underneath, full of all sorts of imaginative sounds that move through the air. Like thousands of separate ships or planets, moving through space. Or better yet, like ideas floating around within the mind.

“Obeisance”, opens with bold, quiet, deep synthesizer sounds. Again, almost like the opening of the day. Cymbal – like sounds are heard later, as bold Vangelis like synths flow through the soundscape. The electric drum-like percussion and rhythms are a wonderful variant.

“False Idols”, opens with bold keyboards and synths, with some pops and scratches, like vinyl records with static. Then, the bolder synths take over and fill the soundscape with adorable sound. Vocalizations are heard again, along with Mike Petruna’s amazing beats.

“Hypnosis”, does just that. It sets up a hypnotizing beat and rhythm, and it just keeps you well focused on it.

“Eons”, is full of deep space travel synthesizers at its opening. You can hear and feel the preparation of the mechanized departure sounds. Then, we are free to fly, and travel outside our normal realm; gliding through space.

“Resonance in the Void”, opens with very quiet keyboards and slow rising sounds. Then, beats and ambient sounds fill the air. This song is driven by its beats. More percussion sounds than any of the other tracks, so far.

“Moments In Space”, is just what we wanted to hear after the pitter patter of the beats on the last track. Countdown to launch and farewell! Into outer space, and beyond. An announcer describes the mission of the flight. It is Sigourney Weaver, or as we know her, Ripley, from the movie, Aliens. Nice touch.

“The Ones We Lost.”, is the closer. It has an epic, morning sunrise opening, like every epic should. As the band states, “This deeply personal song is a tribute to Mike’s and Derrick’s mothers. It is a serene yet emotionally charged finale that pays homage to their lasting influence and memories. Having experienced this myself, I understand the need for memories and tributes, to all the people we love, and miss. This track reminds me a little of Jon Anderson and Vangelis’ song, “Mayflower”, off 1981’s The Friends of Mr. Cairo. A fitting send-off for loved ones.

“Cryptic Logic” is not just an album; it’s an experience, a journey that listeners will not soon forget. Derrick and Mike, accomplished Mike Petruna’s mission, “We wanted to create something that wasn’t just heard, but deeply felt ethereal ambient soundscapes. It invites listeners to embark on a journey through a musical universe that is both expansive and introspectively deep”. Yes, Mission Accomplished!

I enjoyed all of this album, especially with headphones. Songs like “Hypnosis”, “Eons”, “Labyrinth of the Mind”, and “Plastique”, enjoy their full immersion with headphones on. Please get “Cryptic Logic”, and enjoy the journey into ethereal ambient soundscapes.

Track List: