Tickets - Silent Solutions [Timecode / Sangoma Rec.]

[antic604]

 

Tracklist:

 

1. Sunocean
2. Not a Real Boy
3. Denver Calling
4. Witchcraft
5. Siamese Fighting Fish (with Android Spirit)
6. Orphan of Fate
7. Spiritual Surfing (with Phyx)
8. Silent Solutions
9. Music Talks (with Eesham & Jasmine)

 

Review:

 

Tickets is South African artist Josef-Ashton Summs connected with Timecode Rec. since the beginning, where he released two albums in 2006 and 2009. At the time both were representing the typical South Africal ‘twilight’ style: twisted, melodic but not very hard. Since then, he created & played music as Android Spirit.

 

Nothing really changed in here for his 2017’ comeback: the music is still light / bright (in contrast to Android Spirit's slightly edgier and heavier sound), melodic, atmospheric, with glimpses of that classic IM (“Classical Mushroom”) or Terrafractyl (“Chrysalis”) style – fast, 16th bass with ‘baroque’, ‘theatrical’ melodies played on top with typical psytrance leads but sometimes also with pianos, cellos & strings. It constantly changes, although it’s not as accomplished and evolved like the above mentioned artists, therefore you’ll find it sometimes going not exactly in the right direction or get overwhelmed by (not always fitting together) layers. But those moments are rare and far between, so it’s just a minor thing. For the most part its very enjoyable, with standouts being the “Witchcraft” that has a wonderful, moody singing sample and “Spiritual Surfing” with Phyx, that’s somewhat slower and more psychedelic.

 

It’s great to hear this style again, as it’s become very rare on the scene so kudos for that! Wish it was just slightly better, with more consistent and evolved story-telling.

 

3/5

 

Samples / purchase:

 

https://timecode.bandcamp.com/album/silent-solutions-timecode

https://www.psyshop.com/shop/CDs/tcc/tcc1cd032.html

http://beatspace.com/10238/Timecode+Records/TICKETS/Silent+Solutions/detail.aspx

[Trance2MoveU]

My favorite album by Josef was his second Dreaming of Places.  It seemed like the perfect combination of his old South African psytrance bombast with the "baroque" steampunk orchestrations.  Antic nailed the review, as this one left me wanting for the good old days.  It seemed to lack power and the insanity which drew me to the project in the first place.  Good, not great.

[Ormion]

I've only listened to it once, but I think it's pretty forgettable. I miss his old powerful style with superb melodies and aggressiveness.

[Convoolio]

This album is definitely growing on me.