Search - Tangerine Dream :: Underwater Sunlight

A nice piece of work

sauerkraut | 06/24/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I enjoy listening to Underwater Sunlight from Tangerine Dream. It was released in 1986 and consists of six tracks; two of these, the first couple, make up the well-written, stately "Song of the Whale" suite. I find all six of the compositions to be listenable. The album displays nice sound quality and solid musicianship. All of the synthesizer and guitar work is impressive. The band is comprised of Edgar Froese, Chris Franke, and Paul Haslinger. Examples of pieces that I like are the "Song of the Whale" suite, "Scuba Scuba," and "Underwater Twilight." "Song of the Whale (Part One: From Dawn...)" exhibits keyboard work that is airy and pretty and guitar playing that is soaring and emotional. "Song of the Whale (Part Two: ...To Dusk)" begins with a nicely tailored, attractive grand piano intro from Haslinger and also features engaging, flowing guitar work. "Scuba Scuba" is a curious-sounding composition with inventive, interesting synthesizer soundscapes, while "Underwater Twilight" sports eerie, atmospheric synthesizer playing. This 2003 reissue has a CD insert that includes three color photos and an essay, which revolves around the time period of the album's making. The back of the CD jewel case presents a black-and-white photo of the group, and a CD slipcase is also part of the packaging. The album cover artwork is interesting. The disc is just over 40 minutes. Underwater Sunlight is a good piece of work from Tangerine Dream."

"From Dawn... To Dusk" - Peak of the 80s 'Dream output.

M. B. Link | USA | 07/09/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Underwater Sunlight(1986). Tangerine Dream's 21st(?) studio album.



All throughout the 80s and ever since Exit(1981), Tangerine Dream has been exploring the possibilities of combining a rhythmic songstructure with dark pulsating electronic instrumental melodies in several different styles. 70s TD was more into the long, freeform, feeling-inducing, oftentimes scary passages. Once the ten-year Virgin Years was over, a short period called the Blue Years began, starting off with the live album Poland(1984). From the late 70s all the way up until 1985's Le Parc, TD consisted of Edgar Froese, Chris Franke, and Johannes Schmoelling. After Le Parc was done, Schmoelling left the group in search of solo career opportunities. This left Froese and Franke alone to attempt another album. The recording process was difficult, but thankfully they managed to recruit Paul Haslinger part-way in, whose talents lent this new recording a major boost in quality. Once all was done, Underwater Sunlight resulted.



This album serves as a means of drawing back in some of TD's older aspects while at the same time boldly incorporating several new additions in sound. Le Parc had numerous short-length tracks with completely different individual themes throughout the album, whereas Underwater Sunlight has the same ethereal sound all the way through with several variations on that component. Plus, the track listing is cut back down to six songs with two of them making up the expansive 'Song Of The Whale' epic. The common theme here is an ocean setting, where the depthness and beauty of the seas is explored. Weird, but you'd understand once you hear it. There are no cultural instruments around like the previous few albums had, and so the keyboards take centerstage with well developed synth layers. This sounds dated to a degree, but it works in spades. However, the addition of Paul Haslinger brought forth two new welcome things to TD: piano melodies and (YES!) killer electric guitar parts! These compliment the songs greatly and flow with the synths beautifully.



Underwater Sunlight doesn't waste time getting to the good stuff. It starts right up high with the massive near-20-minute epic 'Song Of The Whale', divided into two parts: 'From Dawn' and 'To Dusk'. 'From Dawn' begins with lots of string synth washes, and gradually builds into a solid anthem of power. Don't worry, there's no stupid corny whale effects thrown in at all, just atmospheric mood bliss set with a dominating drum beat and excellent guitar solo. Once that track ends with a bang, 'To Dusk' fades in with a 2 minute beautiful piano melody by Haslinger. It then transforms into another building synth structure. Strangely, there is a familiar vocal effect mid-way through which came off of a popular movie at the time (I'll leave it to you to guess what it is). Once again, the guitar solo just leaves you in awe. The last atmospheric part sort of references the very end of 'Kiew Mission' from Exit(1981). After this, the rest of the tracks are much shorter in length, but present outstanding melodies which match up to the song before it, so they don't feel out of place. 'Dolphin Dance' is a nice fast-tempo jaunt, sounding like a more melodic and relaxing version of 'Midnight In Tula', several albums earlier. That synth scream near the end is just awesome! Next up is the pulse-pounding, brooding, and airy 'Ride On The Ray'. It repeats the same synth melody for several minutes, though it gradually builds up with extra drumming, subtle washes of synth, and the best guitar solo on the album. Pretty cool. 'Scuba Scuba' retains the ethereal qualities of the 'Whale epic. No guitar in this one, but the theme is perhaps the catchiest one on the whole album. Ending in the same fashion as White Eagle(1982) is a more lightweight cut, in the form of the title track. It takes a while to get going, but once it does it never lets up. The keyboard line throughout is particularly noteworthy.



Replayability: medium. If you want Tangerine Dream to literally live up to its name, then this album will not disappoint.



Underwater Sunlight was actually the second TD album I bought, and so I'm glad that this electronic score/hybrid group was introduced in a good way to me. Five stars for being perhaps the best TD album of the 80s. If you prefer the band's older material, then Underwater Sunlight probably won't change your mind, but for those looking into enjoying some excellent rhythmic instrumental keyboard work with a bit of a rock sheen, this will fit that need nicely. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Whether you buy the remastered edition or not, both albums have nearly the same sound quality, same price range, same number of tracks, and have the same availability as each other. So either edition works... if you can find them. Better off purchasing it online.



Other similar TD albums worth checking out:

-Le Parc(1985), Tyger(1987), Green Desert(1973), Poland(1984), Exit(1981), Thief(1981), White Eagle(1982), and Hyperborea(1983)."