A review of the compact disc SYNJASE: Return of the Vortex by Synth artist JAKE BELL.

CD review: Jake Bell - Synjase
Whirlybirds Records 1998
www.dreamtrax.com

CD review by Wa


Smooth, velvety smooth. Jake Bell’s music REALLY is a blanket that wraps you in another world. When listening to his instrumental music one cannot help but think of adjectives: ethereal, dream-like, sultry, inviting, light-hearted, even whimsical at times. I was delighted by this album.

This music is fresh, but shares a music sensibility of the mid-eighties that resonates with the styling of Herbie Hancock, Yello, and Jean-Michel Jarre. Perfect production, virtuoso performances. Even with such influences, SYNJASE surprises with its Gothic sensibility of transcendence.

On the track “Dino-Whaa”, keep your ears open for the sounds of R2-D2 strung out on crack. Interwoven in and around this clever improvisation, listen carefully for a suprising melody that sounds remarkably similar to Dave Grohl’s melody from Everlong.

Its is noted that the guitars throughout the album are used very creatively providing such interesting tonal colors of contrast through each composition. Jake Bell is Vangelis for the next generation, the beauty of Pink Floyd’s glory years.

Another particularly notable track, “Song for the Return of my Future Self” revels in its James Newton Howard-esque character exploration of yearning, self-realization without the pain. Clearly I could hear this track used effectively in a film score. SOUNDTRACK PRODUCERS take note!

Every track is packed with such personality and development is hard to believe there are only seven tracks! The artist is back in the studio, and it is clear that his album, due in late 2002, early 2003 is one of the top albums to anticipate.

If you enjoy Jake Bell I recommend:
Spectre VII and Virtualizer