Pleasure Strike presents ten engaging instrumentals propelled by the keyboard talent of one Tim Brown. The music adheres to the tried-and-true formula of synthbass, chordal pads, rhythms and fiery right-hand leads, but amidst the sonic fireworks lurk many instances of atmospheric downtime. Brown's approach isn't dissimilar to what Norlander, Rudess and Wakeman do, shading in the outlines of imaginary landscapes with broad strokes of synthetic color and spritely right-hand leads with liberal pitch-bends and accentual modulations.
Some of Brown's backing sequences are reminiscent of Mark Shreeve ("Sparks Of Life") and work well enough; other times a flesh-and-blood bassist and drummer could have spiced things up a little. The lead melodies and chordal bedding mask the drum patterns well enough during the louder sections; static rhythms are more apparent during less busy moments. To his credit, Brown does use quality sounds — no gear list is provided — and whether it's one expensive workstation or a handful of synths at his employ is a mystery for now.
The title track and "Free-fall" epitomize the album's mission statement with angular leads and huge chord stacks. Anthemic fare like "Reaching The Surface" wouldn't be out of place on Erik Norlander's conceptual opus Music Machine. Guest guitarist Christian Smider plays an expressive guitar line that mirrors Brown's synths on "Drifting With Spirits." Brown detours from the keyboard prog-rocker highway for three tracks: the neo-gothic air of "Drawn To Sleep," the Bardens-esque moodiness of "Eyes Of Memory," and the Vangelis-like textural coda "Liquidity" — some of Strike's best moments reside within.
Tim Brown's style of instrumental electronic rock will scratch many an itch. Pleasure Strike is his second solo recording (the first is presumably out of print).
Tracks:
1. Pleasure Strike 4:01
2. Free-Fall 4:10
3. Sparks Of Life 4:30
4. Drifting With Spirits 4:27
5. Mysterious Obelisk 6:25
6. Drawn To Sleep 2:45
7. Eyes Of Memory 3:30
8. Reaching The Surface 4:19
9. Ghost Army 3:46
10. Liquidity 2:59
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