PANTONE VU—Multimode 1047

This is an interesting release. I’d describe it as an unusually long EP, with six tracks, yet it still runs a relatively short 16 minutes—somewhat surprising given the genre, which is renowned for its longer, more expansive compositions.

The EP opens with "Control Mode", the track that immediately caught my attention while browsing the new releases. The combination of its simple synth and hypnotic repetition makes it instantly engaging. This track, along with a few others on the EP, bring to mind the soundscapes of Tangerine Dream, though unlike many of their expansive compositions, "Control Mode" clocks in at just under two and a half minutes, far too short for my liking, leaving me wanting more of its captivating atmosphere.

The influence of Tangerine Dream is again evident on "Linear / Exponential", though here it feels more restrained and controlled, an observation rather than a critique. Interestingly, this is the longest track on the EP, yet it still clocks in just under three minutes, leaving only a brief taste of its intricate textures and atmosphere.

"905 Reverberation Unit" opens in a deliberately disjointed, almost experimental way, immediately setting it apart from the other tracks. When the more traditional synth sounds arrive, there’s a sense of relief, though it still carries a bit of a Harold Faltermeyer throwback vibe, with very little in the way of melody. I recognise that melody may not be the point here, but for me, the track offers little to fully engage with, leaving it somewhat challenging to connect to.

The next track "Frequency Vernier" is noticeably more engaging, with a style that feels like a subtle nod to Jean-Michel Jarre. Around the 80-second mark, it takes a brief, unexpected deviation, adding a hint of unpredictability, but it quickly settles back into its main groove, maintaining the track’s overall flow and cohesion.

I didn’t find myself enjoying "Center 911" very much. About halfway through, a hint of melody emerges, offering a brief moment of redemption, but overall the track comes across as somewhat grating and difficult to engage with.

Finally, the title track, “Multimode 1047”, left a similar impression to the previous track. While there are small elements scattered throughout that catch the ear and provide brief pique of engagement, overall the track feels a bit lumbering and lacks the engagement needed to fully draw me in.

On the whole, this EP feels a little like a sampler. What I did like, I actually loved and really wanted to hear much, much more. As always music is very subjective, and I think even more so with these kinds of genre. A band I'll certainly keep an eye on.