Review Summary: One of the best band’s 80’s efforts. A more New Age oriented music.
“Underwater Sunlight” is the twenty-first studio album of Tangerine Dream that was released in 1986. The line up on the album is Edgar Froese, Christopher Franke and Paul Haslinger. It also had the participation of Christian Gstetner.
Tangerine Dream’s career is divided into several phases. In the first phase called “The Pink Years” that started in 1969 and ended in 1973 they released four studio albums. It marks a sound inspired by Pink Floyd (Syd Barrett’s phase), with several keyboard interventions, and sound effects, and close to the German progressive scene called Krautrock. In the second phase between 1974 and 1983 called “The Virgin Years” they released eleven studio albums. It’s considered by many the golden age of the band that marks a turning point in the band’s sound, which, despite still investing in long suites, marks a greater sonic independence, in which the group acquired its own identity, and a greater and better use of keyboards, synthesizers, sequencers and sound effects in some tracks, a proposal that is a little more accessible, although still quite experimental. In 1983 till 1987 the band embarked on a third phase called “The Blue Years”, a short but successful experience composing Hollywood’s film soundtracks. In this phase the band started to follow a more commercial line, even if in some works it still bets on suites. The band acquires a more direct sound, sometimes pop.
By 1986 Tangerine Dream had already recorded dozens of albums in their vast discography. But there are always those points where in a way something special happens. “Underwater Sunlight” brings that out, which is the replacement of Johannes Schmoelling by Paul Haslinger. Thus, this is the first album in which Haslinger is involved with the band and becoming a regular member for the next five years. He is a musician that had been classically trained at the Vienna Music Academy and at the University of Vienna. Tangerine Dream was his first big opportunity and you can see how his influence would be integrated into the band. As the name suggests, “Underwater Sunlight” is an album with tracks influenced by marine life. On this album, Tangerine Dream seeks to make it based on a certain topic, thus creating the music around the same vein of their previous compact and lyrical “Le Parc” for an album themed instrumental. Haslinger brought a more standardized songwriting approach compared to what was used before by Tangerine Dream.
“Underwater Sunlight” has six tracks. The first part of the CD, or first side on the vinyl, is dedicated to a two part suite called, “Song Of The Whale”. The first part “From Dawn...” comes up initially delicate and fragile, consisting of a dense basic pattern and melody lines. This sound framework gives way here at times to rocking borne chord progressions with a little guitar support. After an impressive orchestral break, the whole thing intensifies visibly until, after some few repetitions of the theme, it ends the first part. The second part “to Dusk...” begins with quiet romantic piano passages. After a delicate electronic transition then follow harmonic chord sequences with a pop touch over digital basic patterns and rhythms that seem somewhat plastic. There are also some reasonably convincing guitar solos. “Dolphin Dance” starts the second half of the album that consists of shorter tracks. It’s a good song about something rhythmic and danceable, light-footed and carefree, with some guitar and synthesizer improvisations taking turns. The beat is heavily influenced by what was done in the 80’s. “Ride On The Ray” features a typical Froese’s theme with the typical 80’s keyboard start. Once again, a guitar solo begins, falling in the same pattern as the previous track. But, here the sound effects are rich, but the sound of the period is predominant. “Scuba Scuba” presents a slightly darker sound with a wide variety of keyboard parts that provide the background scenery. But it follows the pattern already established by the previous tracks and that are also part of the second half of the album. “Underwater Twilight” has a much more ambient and less new age feel with electronic rhythmic forms. It’s more interesting than the previous tracks on this side two. There’s a little room for something experimental, turning it into a floating piece closing the album in a nice way.
Conclusion: “Underwater Sunlight” is somehow an interesting work by Tangerine Dream. Haslinger’s influence is very visible and would dictate the path the band would follow for the next few years. The more accessible sound of the 80’s would become more prominent as the band tried to expand their fan base during the period of new age and new wave popularity. The album isn’t bad, far from it, I even consider it a good album, but it seems a bit dated and lacks a more experimental vein that the band knows how to do so well. First side is great with the side long “Song Of The Whale”, divided in two ten minute parts, a meditative and majestic theme which both soothe and energize with its rapid pulsating beat beneath the spiralling progression. The second side is more poppy with four medium length pieces with the last being the best. The results on “Underwater Sunlight” are nevertheless fascinating, making it a very good album.
Music was my first love.
John Miles (Rebel)
