Brendan Pollard "EXPANSION" CD 2005




First Solo Recording by Brendan Pollard released on the Acoustic Wave Label, catalogue number AW003 in 2005

Brand New, Mint and Still Sealed.

Tracklist :

1. Tegula           19:08

2. Toxic Blue     24:53

3. Nebulous        7:05

4. Valve              7:10

5. Aquarius         2:29



The genre of Spacemusic was born out of a hand-full of albums released by a few Berlin based groups in the mid-1970s.
Since that time, a great deal of music has been created which owes much to this faction's inspired early work. Of the multitude of albums produced, only a few manage to accurately re-create the mysterious moods and sprawling scale found on the originals. Add to this constellation Expansion (60'55") by Brendan Pollard. This album aspires to something beyond the mere imitation of the classics. Pollard's work is more about rediscovering the spacious minimalism responsible for the enigmatic character of the original than it is the process of moment-by-moment recreation.
Along with an arsenal of vintage instruments, key in producing the hallmark sounds of classic cosmic music, is Pollard's sense of pacing, arrangement and scale. He comprehends that everything worthwhile is happening between the notes. Melodic and harmonic content is provided by an abundance of time-honored Mellotron sounds and synthesizer tones. His lead lines hover wistfully above the throbbing pulse of interlocking, multi-layered sequencer patterns which race ahead then diminish into swirling atonal ether.
The compositions are restrained, rendered without any sharp edges, and posses an authenticity of both tone and mood - right down to the yearning of a generation seeking to find its place in the cosmos.

Chuck van Zyl / STAR'S END

A few words come to mind when I play this album, Magnificent, exceptional and a real shot in the arm for 70's synthesized music.
Well done Brendan,and in fact the promo disc is even better if this is possible.
2005. Gerry Quirke / England

After listening 3-4 times I can say, that the whole CD is a very good work from Brendan.
It is varied. In my opinion the best track is TEGULA, followed by TOXIC BLUE.
(On the promo disc THE BEAST SINGS.. is also remarkable).
I listened to some other electronic music CDs in the last weeks. But this was the best, definitive!
2005. Helmut Paul / Germany

If you like your TD 70's rather than the aural wallpaper they now put out, then buy this album. Basically does exactly what it says on the tin - takes Rogue Element's Premonition and expands it into a far more musically accomplished whole.
Worth it for Valve alone (although I would have liked to have seen another 10 minutes on this track) but Tegula and in particular Toxic Blue challenge the listener more and are ultimately more satisfying with the waves of mellotron sound and well crafted sequencer developments reminiscent of Phaedra and Rubycon.
If you only buy one EM CD in the next 12 months then make it this one.

2005. Martin Dimmock / UK