We've Traveled Through Space and Time
K. Suttles | SC, United States | 09/11/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"At long last the new Ganymede album has arrived. Its been four years since the last release from this synthpop duo comprised of Patrick Runkel, and David Friede. Have no worries because its worth the wait.
Following along to be told is a story trekking the duo's misadventure on a doomed space mission code name, Operation Ganymede. A conspiracy concerning a collaboration between United States and Soviet space agencies to send men to Jupiter. Unfortunately the entire mission was a failure. All contact had been lost, until now. All being brilliantly presented in all its 24bit glory. Packaged in a nifty metallic digi-pack. Quite easily showcasing the best cover art of any Ganymede album.
A perfect blend of Ganymede's trademark bass, beeps, blips, and snaps. Smoothly interlaced to create instrumental masterpieces. Which are only further complimented by the usual cleverly written lyrics. Its more so important to listen closely to the words than ever. With all the tracks playing out a chronological story. One of the many Fr/Action-ed related elements really shinning through on this album. Along with a few tracks that use the familiar mechanized voice that is a trademark of Friede's side project. The work is clearly the best effort, combining eaches greatest skills. All for the listeners pleasure. An I'm sure you'll be hooked upon first listen. Especially if you're long time fans. Since its everything you already love. With the benefit of both artist further evolution and craftsmanship. I even find myself loving the voice samples layered through out. Which is a new element to the Ganymede style. And in no way does it degrade any of the tracks featured within. It only further compliments the album as a whole. Giving deeper sense to the back story.
This album is also for anyone who enjoys Video Game music, and or Electronic, synthpop genres. A few of the highlights in my opinion include the title track. Which is rare for me. Along with the tracks Falling, Far Beyond the Stars (both of which are a bit of a divergent evolution presented in the typical Ganymede fashion) The instrumental Hyperspace, and the ever reminiscence the Final Mission. Which sounds as if the song is really reflecting on all Ganymede has become since their first release. It will certainly have all hoping this isn't the duo's final mission. Considering its a masterpiece that was four years in the making."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1