Artist description It's just me :)

Music Style Ambient Breakbeat Trance

Musical Influences Massive Attack, Leftfield,

Similar Artists erm, Chicane?

Group Members John Stanford

Instruments Samplers, Synths, Mixers, Tweakers, Morphers

Albums Deepspace (1999)

Press Reviews I must admit that the title of this album, and the cosmic cover image, triggered off some preconceptions as to how the music might sound. Suffice to say, in this instance, I was to be very pleasantly surprised to be wide of the mark. An ominous low drone, almost subliminal astronaut voices, fast metronomic hihat and then a simple, heavily echoed, piano motif heralds the opening track 'The Watchers'. In terms of atmosphere, Mark Snow's music for the 'X Files' comes to mind, but Stanford cleverly deploys trance rhythms and textures which gives the sound a genuinely contemporary feel. At around the three minute mark a harsher, more driving rhythm provides a solid backbone for subtle variations in the melody, sequences and percussion. Harsher trance techniques take over the mix before Stanford slows the pace and juxtaposes hypnotic textures against a brooding, but melodic, synth backdrop before the fade out. The title track opens with bright percussion, a throbbing bass synth and a minimalist melody set against another cinematic soundscape. Stanford beefs up the rhythms and intensity before slowing the pace down and relaxing the mood introducing a new piano motif and varying the trance rhythms to maintain the listener's interest throughout. 'Aurora' evokes a more mellow, warmer atmosphere with a melancholic piano refrain set against a backdrop and rhythm which reminded me stylistically of Jan Hammer. The changes in pace and trance embellishments retain Stanford's distinctive identity and 'Aurora' is probably the most commercial cut on the album. 'Sea of Tranquility' and 'Far Centaurus' returns to the more familiar style, voice samples, layers of trance rhythms, percussion and synth lead lines. Finally, 'The Edge' begins with a rainstorm, rhythm guitar and resonant piano melody and by now the listener knows what to expect, but the guitar gives added character and the high quality is maintained throughout. 'Deep Space' reminded me of Patrick O'Hearn's work, without being obviously derivative, and this is intended as a compliment. However, what sets Stanford apart from the comparisons I have made is his unselfconscious use of compelling trance rhythms to augment his themes. This is an album I have returned to many times and it improves in stature with every play. (SR)http://www.neuharm.demon.co.uk/deepspac.htmThis is a surprise release for at least two reasons. First, it's on White Cloud, which has typically released top-notch space music by Jon Mark and dreamy, contemporary styles generating from New Zealand - and it is atypical of anything they have issued so far. Secondly, it's called "Deep Space" - but it is definitely not! Instead, you will hear powerful tracks, rhythmic and electronic, kind of like a conglomeration of groups like Global Communication, Patchwork, Spyra, Zero One, and Starseeds (no vocals, though). Compelling trance rhythms drive through expansive themes that draw the listener in deeper and out farther, with an emphasis on melodies. Sounds kind of like Final Frontier soundtrack music, limited only by one's own imagination. And I assure you that words cannot convey just how good this release really is! This one is going to land high on the Best of the Year list, and right now it is wearing the surprise of the year crown. http://www.backroadsmusic.com/catalog/new_reviews/reviewsaugoct99.html#Stanford

Location Wellington, Wellington - New Zealand

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