Tim Blake — Crystal Machine
The original album took in five tracks- these had running times between two & nearing fifteen minutes a piece. Clearly you can hear the more spaced & tripped-out influence of Gong ribbed though-out much of the album's run-time. As at the time of recording this album he had just come to the end of his stint with the band- having appeared on all three of the classic Angles egg trilogy( Flying Teapot, Angles Egg & You). But you also get nods towards the likes of the longer Tangerine Dream & Klaus Schulze compositions too. Though that said Crystal Machine as a whole does have its own identity & edge too, making this more than just another 70’s synth-scaping album.
Opening up proceedings we have “Midnight”- this is a studio recording, and comes in at around the six & a half minute mark. And it’s a classic slice swirling ‘n’ slowly pulsing space ambience- the track centered around a constantly throbbing, spinning, oscillating mid ranged synth tone. Around this we get spiraling, cascading & swooping thinner synth pitches- all to create this expanding intergalactic like corridor feel…very much set you on your trip.
The second track is another studio affair entitled “Metro/ Logic”- this six & a half minute track sees the pace & groove been turned-up somewhat. It’s brings together a set, taut & repetitive mesh of funky synth bass throb & electro percussive juddering- and around this we get a series of synth based swoops, stretchers, slices & fries.
Track three is first of the live recordings, and it’s entitled “Last Ride Of The Boogie Child”. This nearing eight-minute track really carries on the spacey-yet-fairly synth funk based vibe of the second track- bringing together a slightly shifting-yet-constantly pulsing ‘n’ grooving blend of bass throbbing & tick-tack electro percussion. Over the top of this we get sparkling, glinting & stretching synth pitches. And at point we even get a few vocals, these at times have quite a David Allen( lead male singer of Gong) like quality around them. I don’t really think the vocals really added much to the proceedings, and often feel a little weak & half-hearted- so thankful they are not too long in the track.
Track four comes in the shape of “Synthese Intermporel”- this is another live track, the longest track here at 15.35 mark, and I’d say it stands as the central piece & highpoint of the album. It moves from fairly mellow-yet-grand almost classic organ-like synth note weaves ( with of course spacey edges). Onto a mix of galloping electro percussion, sailing & weaving synth tones, and a definite feeling of playful mystery. Down to more quirky & angular drift-out. The track perfect captures both Blake’s skill with his equipment, and his ability to compose/ arrange eventful & memorable synth- craft.
The original album finish off with the just over two minutes of “Crystal Presence”- and this is a nice moody & space-bound brooding track built around a selection of pulsing & sliding tones, which ends the whole album in a nice mysterious fashion.
As mentioned early we do get some bonus tracks, and these are interesting enough…though I did feel playing them directly after the main album rather breaks the mood & spell of the Crystal Machine. First of these tracks are "Surf"- this is fairly buoyant & bright track, that features chanted vocals & a eastern tinged guitar element, mixed in with Blake’s synth & electronics. After this we have Synthese Intermporel I & II- as their title suggestion theses tracks are variations on the more up-beat & galloping parts of the “Synthese Intermporel” live track. As I say interesting bonus, though they do ruin the flow of the main album tracks
As you’d expect from one of the Cherry Red group of labels you get a nice & classy presentation for this reissue. With the 16-page color booklet taking in a new seven-page write-up about the album & Blake himself. Plus some great & moody pictures of his live set-up & impressive light show too.
You might imagine with this album been both a first solo release, and a mix of live & studio recordings, that it might lack both focus & quality- but I must say Crystal Machine is both very balanced, well arranged, and flowing album. Certainly, if you enjoy 70’s based synth albums it's worthy of your time