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 product info |
Release date: March, 1st 2004
Ralf Weiden - keyboard and synthesizers Werner Strätz - guitar Martin Ludwig - keyboard and synthesizers Timelessly attractive space music German electronic music group Nautilus comes back for their third album on Prudence with a changed line-up and a slightly modified sound. While their debut album "Solar Moon" and its successor "North Pole Pilgrim" presented a very special blend of electronics, spacy rock and world music, the new album puts more emphasis on the spheric rock in the tradition of Tangerine Dream or Pink Floyd, and less on the ethnic elements. The guitar style of Werner Strätz, strongly influenced by Dave Gilmour and Peter Green, now plays a more dominant role, balancing Martin Ludwig's complex keyboard and synthie work. New member Ralf Weiden congenially adapts to the homogenous sound of the group. As it has already been the case on "North Pole Pilgrim", two epic compositions ("Time To Turn" and the title track) build the cornerstones of the new album "In Search Of Castaways", nine other tracks are grouped around them. All of these compositions convince with beautiful melodies and well-crafted harmony. Once more Nautilus impressively combine great space rock traditions with the exploration of new sonic territory, making "In Search Of Castaways" a timelessly attractive record. 2004. Press Information |
 review |
This new release by a young band called Nautilus (Ludwig: Keys, synthesizer and sequencer; Strätz: guitars and mandolin; Weiden: sampler, synthesizer and sequencer) has some tracks on it that would fit that description. It contains pieces where guitar plays leading role, though others are full of sequencing and synth-sounds, but not without guitar. The production is crystal clear. Although the overall atmosphere is romantic, sometimes it flees from this impression, like on “Back on Earth” where you can hear some strong guitar chops. The title piece which clocks at almost 22 minutes is a strong effort with restrained, though shiny sequencing, again good guitar and beautiful synth soloing. The building of the piece is very much like good old Schulze. In “The Final Discovery” they even take on Vangelis heights with epic bombast. This album is nothing for listeners who like things rough, but the ones who like it more sweet, romantic and don’t mind an overproduced album should try it. Roel Steverink |
 review |
I'm not familiar with this German band nor have I heard any of their music.
It's their fifth cd so far, but their third on the Prudence-label.
First of all, the press sheet announces that the line-up of the band has changed: next to the original members Martin Ludwig (keys, synths, sequencer) and Werner Strätz (e-gitaar), Ralf Weiden (sampler, synths en sequencer) has replaced Ralf Obel.
It also says the blend of electronics and ethnic elements now should have changed to more emphasis on spheric rock in the tradition of TD or Pink Floyd.
Well, while listening to the eleven melodic tracks on this album my overall impression is that it all sounds far too decent and accessible. This next to the fact that it all sounds soft and as typically "German" music. The guitar (said to be strongly influenced by David Gilmour and Peter Green) is rather dominant in the whole music, but I can't say I'm impressed by it. In a way, the music in general reminds me a bit of the (live)music of Peter Mergener with a guitarist. "The Final Discovery" has an euphoric/symphonic character, but no real impact as such. In all, it all doesn't sound special in any way, it doesn't tickle me either, although the band tried to spice things with the pronounced e-guitar. The label classifies the album as lounge/art rock, so be it. But I like to give a compliment to both the very nice cd-cover and overall production of the music. 2010. Bert Strolenberg / Sonic Immersion |