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Reviews

Zodiac — Dedication (In Memoriam)
(Microfon MRCD 063, 1989/1998, CD)

Zodiac — Disco Alliance / Music in the Universe
(Microfon MRCD 124, 1982/1996, CD)

by Willem Klopper, Published 1997-10-01

Dedication (In Memoriam) Cover artDisco Alliance / Music in the Universe Cover art

This Latvian band made quite a sensation in the former Soviet Union upon the release of their first album, establishing certain norms of recording quality for the Soviet music industry, which had not been known for good sound. About five million copies were sold, and according to some unofficial calculations (official calculations have never been done), it became the most popular instrumental synth album ever released in this relatively isolated part of the world.

Five young students of Riga’s Conservatory were responsible for this collection of catchy and hummable synth dominated instrumental compositions, of greater complexity than the misleading title might suggest. From the opening composition, “Zodiac,” these musicians show their influences, mostly French light synth artists of late 70s / early 80s origin, like Jean-Michel Jarre, Space Art , Saint Preaux, and especially Space, a very popular electronic project led by multi-instrumentalist Didier Maroani. Zodiac became a main source of theme music for numerous Russian TV and radio programs, overtaking Maroani’s band. Two years later Music in the Universe shows band in more mature and energetic rock oriented style, with the addition of electric guitar on some tracks. Again beautifully composed and easy on the ear, but with enough rock drive, this album can be enjoyed by both electronic and prog-rock fans alike. A rare document from the obscure synth scene, this CD could be recommended to all collectors of Soviet rock  and to fans of the aforementioned bands. What this reissue lacks is liner notes and beautiful art cover of Music in the Universe.

After the 1985 album Music from Films, the only remaining original member for 1988’s In Memoriam (reissued as Dedication) was composer and keyboard player Jānis Lūsēns, who had written a number of instrumental compositions dedicated to his homeland. The French electronic influenced upbeat music was replaced by a powerful and sensitive symphonic style. Ten instrumental tracks include the composer’s synths and strong drum programming, a violinist, two guitarists, and an oboe. Wordless female vocals of Maija Lūsēna grace “Palace of Randae,” which also showcases the gorgeous Oldfield-influenced guitar work of Dzintars Sāgens and the violin of Zigfrīds Muktupāvels. The more upbeat “Open Air Museum” reminds of older Zodiac compositions, but combined with new melodic sophistication and featuring the oboe of Normunds Šnē. With more accent on color and majestic grandeur, Lūsēns came up with a stunningly beautiful collection of music. If artists like Mike Oldfield, Sky, Bo Hansson, Patrick Broguiere, Changing Images, early Gandalf, XII Alfonso, or Jose L.F. Ledesma are part of your musical diet, this album comes highly recommended.

Filed under: Archives, Issue 13, 1998 releases, 1989 recordings, 1996 releases, 1982 recordings

Related artist(s): Zodiac

 

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