Tangerine Dream | Raum Review

Tangerine Dream is releasing Raum, the band’s second studio album, after the passing of the founder Edgar Froese in 2015. Raum continues Tangerine Dream development of the concept of its precursor EP Probe 6—8. The seven songs were composed and produced with full access to Froese’s Cubase arrangements (and Otari Tape Archive with recordings from 1977-2013). Tangerine Dream is Thorsten Quaeschning, synthesizer, sequencer; Hoshiko Yamane, violin, electric viola; and Paul Frick synthesizer, sequencer. Together they bring us an interestingly satisfying late-night real-time performance combined with classic studio productions, sequencer-driven haunting soundscapes alternated with warm anthemic synthesizers.

“Continuum” is the opening track and has warm organic synth sounds with pulsing beats. The track builds in layers and momentum with its repetitive sequence and looping beat. Overall, the song melds a strong melody with glimpses of acid sounds and increasing choral atmospheres. Tangerine Dream are masters of creating layers of sounds that interact to form a swirling space of sonic imagery.

“Raum” makes a nod towards the early live studio performances with an evolving melody accompanied by a chorus-like Roland Jupiter 8 part. An ambient rave Moog Minitaur sequence highlights the final summit, with driving intestines and percussion. The violin slowly brings the listener into resolution, leading to a heavy Moog bass marking the beginning and the end of this 15-minute piece.

Raum reflects the deep respect for the sound of the previous five decades Tangerine Dream has traveled, and this record continues in the ever-evolving pathway of sonic exploration.

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