Sonic Curiosity (USA)

In 2001, Foreign Spaces enters a time warp to deliver 45 minutes of space music recorded between 1985 and 1989. During this period of time, the band consisted of Georg Reiter, Stefan Ambs, and Marcus Stahuber. This music has been mastered by EM notable Eroc in 2000, creating a sidereal time loop to this glimpse into Foreign Spaces' formative years.

Cosmic tonalities flourish here, with more sedate tuneage that explores the void with sensibilities in the grip of astonishment of interstellar mysteries. Although some E-perc is involved, and even guitar, the tone of this music is dreamier and somber, less frenzied. Languid passages evoke momentous expanses and quantum anomalies with drifting atmospherics and lazily swooping electronics. Spurning repetitive loops, the tunes unfold with distinct structure, employing spatial effects in succession to achieve progression. Bubbling electronics conspire with floating tonalities to produce lavish harmonics that soar above the audience, impressive in their unhurried demeanor.

While the sonic topic is still extraterrestrial in nature, these pieces seem to originate from the perspective of an outsider traveling across the galaxy to discover the Earth and the curious beings that inhabit this world.

With the exception of the first track (at 10 minutes), the short lengths are utilized here, compressing the music into more direct expressions. Meanwhile, one of these brief tracks explodes with the dynamics that mark the band's later style.

Matt Howarth, 11th August 2002
taken from www.soniccuriosity.com

Exposé Magazine #22 (USA)

The German trios last release, Phaeton, featured epic pieces of electronics fused with progressive elements.
This time, the musical ideas are shorter, with most tracks running under five minutes each. Phaeton seemed to be presented on a grander scale, whereas Imagination - Pictures - Music plays more like a series of short stories. The emphasis is on laid back melodies. 
"Planets I," for example, is light layers of gentle electronics. "Planets II" is mellow and ethnic in an almost Kitaro sort of way. "Planets III" has a dramatic build up like something more energetic is going to happen, but is only teasing, as it fades quickly. "Outer Worlds" is majestic, with nary a rhythm or sequence to be found. The next track has a really nice melody, but the sound of a baby, first crying then laughing, is distracting. "Memories" has beautiful piano playing and soaring synth strings, very well done. Crystal clear bell tones shine in "Grieselgram."
Still, it may surprise fans who were expecting the grandeur and energy of Phaeton. Granted, the two discs probably aren't intended to sit alongside each other, as the pieces here, though recently mastered to CD for the first time, were actually recorded for various exhibitions in 1985-1989. This one is something to cue up on a sunny lazy weekend.

2001 (c) Phil Derby / Exposé Magazin

Synth Music Direct (UK)

This is a retrospective covering tracks recorded between 1985 and 1989. For this album only the former of the usual FS duo Georg Reiter and Christian Feher are present, other artist include Stefan Ambs and Marcus Stahuber with others guesting on specific tracks.

The opener 'Birth' features some strong synth sounds with a heart-beat style backdrop. 'Planets I' is another strong piece, again with surging synth lines and unlike other FS pieces the sequences are simplistic and there as background effect rather than a significant feature - for me this is a shame because when FS hit the sequence groove they can really rock. 'Planets II' is unremarkable, followed by 'Planets III' which is better with more searing synth sounds. Unsure that the original tapes are, whether cassette or multi track - generally they have cleaned up very well, though some slight dropouts are noticeable.

'Outer Worlds' is the strongest piece so far - stylistically the same as previous tracks, it has the advantage of an infectious melody which the searing synth lines pick out in epic and grandiose style. 'First Impressions of a Human Being' is initially very promising, and as the sequence lines emerge (the strongest yet so far on this album) it all bodes well - unfortunately the whole thing is overlaid with the sound of a baby crying then gurgling with joy. Cliched, and frankly with 3 young kids of my own I listen to EM to get away from this sort or sound - but then again I'm just a miserable old git so you all may find this truly profound:-)

Track 7 'Memories' is a poignant and well played piano / synth piece. The melody is strong and meaningful, the only blemish is slightly tinny sound quality - probably the result of much post production of a hissy tape. The end of the piece is suitable grandiose and overall this is a classic piece.

'In Your Head' is an excellent piece with a chugging sequence and some well judged melodic synth interplay. This is more like the FS heard on their more recent albums and fans of their style will revel in this. Track 9 'Crystal Lake' has a very appropriate title, with a bright tinkling sequence forming the backbone for synth effects. Finally 'Grieselgram (An experiment)' ends in a relatively weird mode, though there are still the bones of a melody throughout the track.

Overall this is a useful "archive tapes" type of album, not as strong as their later work which can be slightly inconsistent and perhaps ironically this album is more consistent - but it lacks the magnificent highs of previous works. Still worth a try. (GG)

Graham Getty, 2001
taken from www.synthmusicdirect.com

New Horizons (UK)

When I reviewed Foreign Spaces' latest studio album, 'Phaeton', I commented that they "exhibit a style that is very much of their own making".  This CD release is an opportunity to step back in time and discover some of the influences that helped to make that sound.  'Imagination - Pictures - Music' consists of tracks that were recorded between 1985-1989 which have been recently mastered and, as with the later releases, the emphasis is again on electronic keyboards, with only the occasional use of other instruments.

The tracks featured, with the exception of the opening piece, tend to be fairly short, and while the style is not so well advanced as the band's later material, the compositions are for the most part well developed.

At over ten minutes 'Birth' is the longest piece, and yet somehow it struck me as one of the less mature tracks.  Perhaps because of its length there seemed to be a tendency for it to wander in a sometimes purposeless fashion, which could have been avoided by reducing its overall length.  In fact the first few minutes of the track move very slowly, with a hazy background punctuated by occasional bursts of intensity which seem to show the way forward.  At about mid point a strong a pulsing heartbeat is introduced into the music - but rather than continuing the more dynamic sounds that had been coming to the fore up to this point, the track falls back into a more lethargic mood and takes a while before lifting itself up again.  Overall a nice relaxed track, but let down slightly by its failure to reach full potential.

The next three tracks are all fairly short and 'Planets I', the first of these, is fairly slow paced and the main theme has an almost eastern feel to it reminiscent of Kitaro's 'Silk Road'.  'Planets II' continues to develop this theme.  'Planets III' has a far harder edge to it, with alien sounding effects coming in over the strongly developing synth background.  Despite its powerful rhythms, it is a very relaxing piece to listen to and one which can summon up some powerful mental images if you listen to it in the right frame of mind.

For me the strongest track on the album is 'Outer Worlds', which continues where 'Planets III' left off.  It's another piece that has a strong, space like ambience and in fact the style of the piece is not dissimilar to some of the music featured in the film 'Bladerunner'.  Again, maybe in part because if this association, this is another track that seems very capable of creating some very clear pictures in the mind's eye.

I'm not sure if the 'First Impressions of a Human Being' is supposed to be taking a subjective or an objective view, but one thing I am sure of is that the inclusion of the sound of babies crying, while innovative, does tend to be disconcerting and also a little distracting.  I have to be honest and say my lasting impression of this track is one of bewilderment.

My first perception of 'Memories' is far more favourable.  The track opens with a fairly simple and easy going section that is joined and then superseded by electronic keyboards.  As the track progresses there is also a gradual build up to the sweeping background synth patterns, the combined effect of these is to create a very strong uplifting piece.

'In Your Head' is one of the few tracks on the album to feature any guitar work, played here by Alex Momach.  From fairly early on the inclusion of drums on this track is also very noticeable - having been absent on the album up until now.  It is perhaps this contrast that allows the drum track to effectively dominate this piece, which is unfortunate because there is some good keyboard work developing, but it is hard to take in very much beyond the drum track.  If only the band could re-record this one but leave the drums out - I for one would like to hear the resultant track.

'Crystal Lake' is a very bright sounding, strong on mood, but the constantly repeating patterns even with a variety of sounds and effects playing in over the top, offers very little of substance.

Finally we arrive at 'Grieselgram (An Experiment)', another slow paced gentle number, with some good albeit straightforward arrangements.  This does not seem to have the passion exhibited in some of the earlier tracks and, perhaps rather than trying to analyse these last two tracks, it would be better to simply regard them as ambient keyboard pieces and enjoy them for what they are!

This CD should have appeal for anyone who enjoys electronic music with a strong leaning towards ambient sounds.  If you are not already familiar with Foreign Spaces my suggestion would be to consider 'Phaeton' as a means to get into their music - once you have heard that album this trip into the band's past will become far more meaningful.

Simon, 22nd July 2001
taken from www.elrose.demon.co.uk

GalaxyJoe (Denmark)

The music on this production seems to be more quiet and relaxing than the music on Phaeton. But I can really hear that this album is about pictures and imagination. I see a lot of pictures when I hear it. You will easy hear that Foreign Spaces also have a lot of creativity and imagination on this record. 
The music in both albums fits perfectly with the graphics and pictures on the CD covers. Both records have their own universe. A very meditative mood is also what the music has on "Imagination - Pictures - Music".
All Foreign Spaces albums have an attitude about "not get in compromise". Nice to hear a music which is not thinking about entertainment and being commercial, but music from the heart that transfers different feelings to peoples mind. To people who never have tried to listen to synth music before I will say: Just try it. Maybe you could start listening to Foreign Spaces as an example.

Rey, May 2001

Background Magazine #76 (NL)

In the slipstream of "Phaeton" there's another disc by Foreign Spaces containing older recordings now available in a remastered version. The tracks have been played between 1985 and 1989 and show some use of guitars. The music was also part of several exhibitions of artists from Munich. In general the songs are rather short with the "Planets"-tune divided into three sections, but lasting only 9 minutes. A crystal clear sound was provided through the excellent remastering by German legend Eroc. Hence the technical and artistic effort (sleeve etc.), but music wise Foreign Spaces is still in a starting phase here. One can hear that the compositions lack some tension and strength. Best bits: "Birth" and "First impression of a human being" (yes, with the inevitable child screaming sounds and pulsating heartbeat), opening ways to a more mature Foreign Spaces. ** 

Robbert Schuller, December 2001

The Axiom Of Choice (NL)

Summary

Foreign Spaces is an electronic trio. The music for this album was recorded in the period 1985-1989.

The music

The album opens with the longish and rather cosmic Birth. Lots of weird sounds on this record, which seems more like the birth of a universe than that of a human being. Some sounds reminded me of Eddie Jobson's Theme Of Secrets, for the rest, the music consists mostly of soundeffects with a dark undercurrent and one might recoginize also the hand of Pink Floyd and the darker slower side of Tangerine Dream in here.

Cosmic stuff on the three parted Planets. Lots of zissers and stereo effects on this track that reminds me most of eighties Tangerine Dream. A small hick-up in the first part. The second part is meditative and reminds me of Kitaro at his most abstract. Actually the music has trouble getting going here. Lots of sound, but little really happening. Kind of the impression that sitar music generally makes on me: none to speak of. The final part is cosmic and more up-tempo. The music is a bit wavery at times though.

Outer Worlds is a very nice track. The music is sensitive, subtle and has the same emotional content as a good Vangelis track. This track could also have been called Bright New Day, because that is the impression I get. There is a note of sadness later in the track though. Not overly present, but I feel something there.

First Impressions Of A Human Being opens with a Kitaro like atmospheres. Then this is combined with an atmosphere of Shine On You Crazy Diamond followed by a baby crying. If you just have had children (I am not saying that this is the case for me), I can imagine you do not want to hear this. However, later the child laughs.

One of the best tracks on the album is Memories with sad and subtle melodies on piano and later on an acoustic guitar with a bit more melody, but the same subtleness. In prog we would get a bombastic ending, but not here.

Lots of percussion on In Your Head. I don't like this track. It dribbles on and on with lots of high in the sound and at the end some Steve Hillman like guitar solo.

Twinkly clear is Crystal Water, but again mostly sounds, little structure. I guess most of the music on this album is on the meditative side (most not all) and is more meant to fill up the silence with sound than anything else.

The final track Greiselgram is a nice one with some nice melodies (one which I reminds me of a another song, but I can't recall the title).

Conclusion

There are some very worthwhile tracks on this electronic album. No rock at all, so if you are after that: do not bother to look. The music has diverse influences: some Kitaro, some Vangelis, some Tangerine Dream, with an occasional guitar. Mostly the music is rather unstructured and focussed on mood and that they can do quite well. However, the music could use a bit more straightforward melody quite a few times and when the melody does come around it shines (Memories, Outer Worlds). On the productional side, I heard a few dips in the sound that did not sound as though they belonged there.

Jurriaan Hage, July 2001

Synrise (D)

The music of Foreign Spaces possesses a magical charm to which one is irresistibly drawn.

As a retrospective on more than a decade of  Foreign Spaces, the opening piece 'Birth' is particularly successful - it signals the birth of a new era in electronic music. While the original heroes ventured into commercialised styles, Foreign Spaces began to unfold the vast treasury of sounds in the electronic field.

Indeed, Foreign Spaces signifies the opening of doors to foreign worlds and the perfect integration of the new with the old, be it a zither, the noises of a baby or guitars. The naturalness displayed in the weaving of aural atmospheres in the truest sense of the word is uncanny. 
This lies, last but not least, in the mastering by EROC, a pioneer of electronic music, who truly understands how to put the finishing touches to the excellence of Foreign Spaces' production - two generations of EM meet each other and create a flawless harmony. 

Not just for lovers of electronic music, will the world of sounds from Foreign Spaces contain aspects of aural aesthetics into pure culture.

Stephan Dargel, October 2000
Translation by Serene Negraszus-Chew

Babyblaue Seiten (D)

Diese CD enthält Aufnahmen aus den Jahren 1985 bis 1989, die für Ausstellungen Münchner Künstler verwendet wurden. Die damals noch als Trio agierenden Foreign Spaces zeigen sich hier stark dem Sound der Berliner Schule elektronischer Musik verpflichtet.
Das lange "Birth" ist gleich ein starker Auftakt. Aus formlosen Klängen entwickeln sich mächtige Klangbögen, die von einem sanftes Pulsieren im Hintergrund begleitet werden. Später wandelt sich dieses Pulsieren in einen Rhythmus, der an einen Herzschlag erinnert. Ein sehr beeindruckendes Stück mit deutlichen Anklängen an die Frühwerke von Tangerine Dream, speziell "Zeit".
Die weiteren Stücke sind deutlich kürzer. Die ersten beiden Teile von "Planets" klingen ein bisschen östlich inspiriert. Besonders interessant ist der "Planets II", in dem elektronische Klänge auf effektvolle Weise mit einer Zither kombiniert werden. Bei "Planets III" und "Outer Worlds" sind dann wieder kosmische Klänge mit einem gewissen Ambient-Charakter angesagt.
"First Impressions of a Human Being" beginnt recht viel versprechend: aus einer sanften Melodie schält sich ein gemächlicher Sequencer-Rhythmus, ganz im Stil der klassischen Tangerine Dream, heraus, dann aber wird massiv Babygeschrei eingespielt, was auf Dauer ziemlich nervt..
Mit "Memories" wird es wieder besser. Diese Stück ist zum Großteil ein reines E-Piano-Solo, von Akustik-Gitarre begleitet.
Ganz andere Töne schlägt "In Your Head" an, in dem erstmals auf diesem Album ein (echtes) Schlagzeug sowie E-Gitarre zu hören sind. Das Stück ist ziemlich flott gehalten und passt nicht so recht zur Atmosphäre der anderen Titel.
"Crystal Lake" besteht praktisch nur aus sich ständig wiederholenden Klangmustern, das abschließende "Grieselgram" zeigt das Trio noch mal von der Ambient-artigen Seite.

Jochen Rindfrey, 23rd August 2003
taken from www.babyblaue-seiten.de