TempUs by Unisphere

Some 6 years ago Eric van der Heijden and Rene Splinter surprised the EM scene with their project Uni Sphere and its fine debut “EndLess EndeavoR”. The latter proved a solid, well-made and highly emotive work of sonic art sketching out various moods and atmospheres. After a lot of hard work and perseverance there’s “TempUS”, a concept album dealing with the fact that (everything in) life is temporary.

To reflect on that, both musicians composed 65 minutes of imaginative and narrative music that unfolds slowly through fields of in-depth textural landscapes, enticing melodic lines and sequences patterns while elements of Johannes Schmoelling’s sound design shines through occasionally.

The music shifts into more dynamic mode on “In Transition”, a typical Rene Splinter track, opening with up-tempo sequences before shifting to a smoother pace while warm melodies are released. The 7-minute “Reflections” is all about creating fluid, melancholic-infused textural spheres before drums, sequences as well as a smooth solo kick in on “Post Meridian (11:35 pm)”. From there the sound design builds gently along some Schmoelling-esque solo voices surfacing now and then.

The realm of ‘80’s TD also applies to the futuristic “Technical Instrument for Measurement of Existence” where a pleasant bit of sound experimentation is going on paired with heavy drums and brief melodic lines. The 11-minute “Reunification” rounds out the fine release in an up-tempo fashion with various tempo changes and very nice sequencer patterns at work as well as some fine solos. All in all, I have no doubt “TempUS” will appeal to and be appreciated highly by a wide Em-audience out there.

Bert Strollenberg / sonicimmersionmusic@gmail.com