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Reviews

Tim Blake — Crystal Machine
(Voiceprint VP211CD, 1977/2001, CD)

Tim Blake — Magick
(Voiceprint VP210CD, 1991/2000, CD)

by Jeff Melton, Published 2001-03-01

Crystal Machine Cover artMagick Cover art

At long last, Tim Blake's first two albums of analog synthesizer nirvana are out as official CD re-releases on Voiceprint. Hopefully most of the Exposé reader set is familiar with the keyboardist's membership in Gong during the crucial Radio Gnome Trilogy as well as Hawkwind's Levitation phase (along with Cream alumnus Ginger Baker). Blake refined his EMS signature trance-like sound during Angel's Egg and You before contributing to Steve Hillage's seminal Fish Rising. The keyboardist's merit has long been overshadowed by the stronger personalities of the bands he participated in. Up until now, it has been difficult to ascertain his contributions to modern electronic music as a forerunner of the genre. Crystal Machine falls into the realm of classic German electronic music, comparable to Timewind (Klaus Schulze) or Edgar Froese's early solo albums. The opening track, "Midnight," sets the proper tone for the disc, closely followed by "Metro / Logic" where Blake flashes some leads on his Elka Rhapsody keyboard. The album's closing piece, "Crystal Presence" is the best representative of the man's adept skill at arranging a suitable rhythmic backing for his piercing solos. The only complaint I have is that there is no video document of the phenomenal live show during this period. In contrast, Magick comprises a reserved set of insular recordings done in the solitude of his own lighthouse home in Questembert, France. The eight tracks compiled here are divided between raspy vocal statements and keyboard workouts including a reprise of Gong themes on "A Return to Clouds." Tracks such as "Tonight," "Waiting for Nati," and "With You" invoke images of moody love loss and remorse. The most successful tracks on the disc are "A Magick Circle," with its moody and precious backing track, along with the follow-on song, "More Magick." In summary, Crystal Machine must be considered essential European electronic listening while Magick is only slightly marred by a few ill-fitting personal statements.

Filed under: Reissues, Issue 21, 2001 releases, 1977 recordings, 2000 releases, 1991 recordings

Related artist(s): Tim Blake

 

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