Third Quadrant - Universal Circles

Third Quadrant- Universal Circles

Progressive Voyages Review PV020

Third Quadrant are a Cheshire based outfit comprising of Chris Dunn Keyboards and Vocals, Chris Hare Drums, David Foster Guitars, Bass and Vocals and Clive Mollart Keyboards and Programming.

They have a history that stretches back to the 1980's after a 36 year break, they returned with 3 of the original members and new addition Clive Mollart

Their new album is called Universal Circles and whilst I’ve not heard any of their 1980's album this is I am assured is a return to form for the band.

The album has a mere 6 tracks but if those 6 4 are over 9 minutes duration with Dim and Distant Future alone being nearly 13 minutes long there is a lot of music to listen to and absorb here.

The album begins with the strong track Relentless, which is an aptly titled as the track has a strong repeated synth line that is relentless is it attack after 90 seconds though it changes it tone and becomes more symphonic and a fine guitar chimes, there is a strong bass motif to this song too that sounds great. Like ultravox meeting new order at times, the glorious synth lead line returns at the 5:45 point as a guitar lines down a solo against which keyboards drums and bass give solid support a truly excellent opening number.

Then we have Delta Passing which begins with an upfront bass line aided by swirling synths in a strong melody and à strong bass motif, at the 1:26 mark the vocals begin this is a slow burning song that has great dynamics in the sound, The song is very memorable as you listen to it there some space sound clips in the track that add to the overall atmosphere of the track.

Spiral follows and has deep synths in its opening section and programmed drums which don’t sound as good as real drums would, the synths sound grand here though, really full sounding this is one of the albums longer tracks at 9:51 in length, that time is used wisely in crafting a song the moves forward in its dialogue and sounds. Halfway through real drums replace the programmed ones which gives more weight to programmed this is another strong track of spacey Prog.

The Kindness Of Strangers follows on from Spiral this being another almost 10 minute track, it is a song about the folly and futility of war an unusual vocal in that it mirrors 2hat the keyboards are playing so the syncopation is between the keyboards and vocalist, making this a very different track yet a strong one all the same. Some fine guitar fills in the latter part of the track and a strong synth solo from Clive Mollart captures the attention well. I do like this track a strong dramatic end too.

Then we have Dim And Distant Futures, The albums longest track at 12:50 duration kicking out with a sound the brings Focus to mind because of the hammond organ part

Along with a driving melody, interesting vocal style which suits the music being made here, I do like the organ in the middle section and the fluid guitar line that plays in tandem with the synths, it very dramatic and impressive, this track has a lot of energy to it, and good use of interludes to create space in the track this also has a long run out section of synths and a flexible bass as the track heads towards it epic conclusion.

Final track is called Big Circle which has a strong synth opening melody and strong bass rumbling in the background, this track also has a touch of the Blade Runner soundtrack to it, which is no bad thing at all, the track has strong guitar and bass and sounds vaguely like something from the 1990’s. The song seems to be about the circle of living and how there is another day and the opportunity that brings us, It also urges us to connect and communicate, to think for ourselves about things, To filter what we hear and decide for ourselves and in today’s world those are very important thing that we should all be doing for ourselves and not dancing to the common drum we should all be finding our own rhythm to dance to, and follow our own paths

This latest album from Third Quadrant is a really good album of interesting sounds and themes and I heartily recommend it to all who like Synthesiser music and space rock as there is much to appreciate within this album

Info here: https://third quadrant,bandcamp.com