Penterakt – Conquest Of The Moon (Album – Belgian NeuMusik / Wool-E Discs)

Genre/Influences: Ambient-Electro.
Format: Digital, CD.
Background/Info: Penterakt is a new project driven byBelgian artist Tom Coppens and the English artist Andy Bloyce. They’re mates and still part of the trio Kubusschnitt, which is already active for years now. “Conquest Of The Moon” has been released during the very last days of 2020 and features four tracks.
Content: This album is a new chapter of the Belgian NeuMusik series and brings a new exploration of Ambient-Electro music. Penterakt brings us back in time, not only for the style and influences, but also for the use of only analogue equipment. The album sounds like a reincarnation of ‘Berliner School’-music reminding me of Tangerine Dream and co. The tracks have been progressively built up, revealing elaborated structures. It’s a sonic trip through space carried by some Psychedelic synth leads and down tempo rhythms.
+ + + : This is music for all lovers of good-old Ambient-Electro, but I was especially impressed by the sophisticated and elaborated song structures. The magic of the analogue synths create an overwhelming sensation, which comes directly through at the opening track. The compositions have been meticulously created and progressively evolving; sometimes from a rather chaotic beginning till dreamy and rhythmic passages. “Life On The Moon” not only is the last cut from the album, but also a great apotheosis of a great work.
– – – : The only possible negative point about this work is that Penterakt doesn’t reinvent anything; this kind of music no longer has secrets… but who cares when you discover an amazing results.
Conclusion: Penterakt is a highly recommended project in the Belgian NeuMusik concept.
Best songs: “Life On The Moon”, “Preflight Introspection”, “Meteor Strikes Again”.
Rate: (8½).
Label: www.wool-e-discs.be / www.belgianneumusik.be /
About Penterakt
Penterakt is a project of Belgian artist Tom Coppens and English artist Andy Bloyce, both also members of the trio Kubusschnitt. “Conquest Of The Moon”, released on the Belgian NeuMusik series via Wool-E Discs in the final days of December 2020, is the project’s debut release, a four-track Ambient-Electro work built entirely on analogue equipment. No prior Side-Line coverage of Penterakt was found.
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I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.
