Used instrumentation back in 2004:
Nordlead 2, JX8p, Juno, EMU pk6, Roland JV880, SC880, Yamaha RM1x, GeneralMusic S2r, Korg M1, Korg DW8000, akoustic percussion, radio shortwave-sounds, GMedia Oddity, NI Reaktor 4 and Logic 5.5.
I composed this work back in the Spring of 2004. It was meant to be released, didn't see daylight then. It will be seeing daylight in 2007. It's not the official 2007 CD, but a kind of re-release.
The idea of releasing this work lies in the fact that I really enjoyed recording this music and it would be a pity not to do anything with it. The music is in the style of Pro Sequentia. It's not retro, it's not dance or trance or meditative music, it's a mixture of all these elements with the presence of melody and rhythm and the Grandmasters of EM in mind. The only meaning of music to me is to relax and overall to recreate in a way the listener likes.
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Rene van der Wouden’s Recreation comes from a studio session held in the spring of 2004, a little before Pro Sequentia. Completely in conformity with its title, Recreation looks to me like a light album. The Dutch synthesist seems to have fun by mixing the styles and the areas. From austere he can jump to frivolity, and vice versa, giving a coloured album, without borders and framings, a little as the kids who have fun in recreations.
In zigzag, Recreation’s intro is metal on metal, until a very beautiful synthetic line turn itself into a violin and draws a classical melody with high and harmonious keys. Under the tenderness effect of this melodious intro, where the violin strings are lost in time, voluntary notes strike a repetitive sequence which undulate its nuances on scattered synthetic scratches, which fly over a sober rhythmic structure.
The intro of Recreation 2 is more dramatic with its dry notes which intersect its sequenced equivalences. A harpsichord bores a dense synthetic cloud which floats gently until the structure becomes animated on a more unbridled rhythm. Moving and touching layers surround this track with varied intonations.
On Recreation 3, we have the impression to hear an accordion which is harmonized with an undulating fluid sequence. A beautiful moment when a cloud of chords and various instruments, intersects with emotion and receptivity. The rhythm becomes jerkier, hopping on a striking synthetic line which winds sequencers to syncopated and nervous emanations, which Rene Van Der Wouden heavy layers cherish with passion of our hearing. On suction grip pulsations, Recreation 3 decreases its intensity on a more overwhelming final, with the arrival of bitter breaths cello.
Keys force against the wind on Recreation 4, to turn on a superb electronic ballade like a harmonious fantasy. It’s beautiful, sweet and hangs instantly.
Recreation 5 is an atmospheric bubble which ends on the very Jarrian rhythm with great percussions of Recreation 6 start. A striking title with slamming percussions, regular tinkling and a running synth as Jarre forgot to make. This is an excellent track which has everything to have success and appear on a rhythmic EM compilation.
Recreation 7 undulating and lazy layers crossed dark notes which resound in a starry cosmic atmosphere. This static waltz is crossed by a beautiful harpsichord line which rocks nothingness, before being struck down by a powerful play of percussion with solid and furious blows. Synth solo girdles this furious movement which multiplies of various sonorities solos, to fall down in a latent peace which is moulded perfectly at the harmonious beginning of The last Recreation.
This last title of this studio session has a light atmospheric intro, as the final besides, very enveloping. Between the two, there is rhythm, lot of rhythm, which spins like a train at high speed on a sequencer jerked by pulsations and which form its modulations in harmonious structures, no matter the rhythm. Riffs are heavy, percussions cold and pulsations filtered by sequential line which does not miss imagination.
Above all, Rene van der Wouden sublime synth, to heavy and wrapping layers that he painted of so warmth tenderness that make them unique and harmonious when soft chime winds energetic and alive a movement, like an amazing recreation.
2006. Sylvain (Fae) / G.U.T.S. of Darkness Canada
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This is actually an earlier work of Rene's, recorded back in 2004 and just now seeing the light of day. Recreation is closer in overall tone to Pro Sequentia, as there's a lot of sequencers here and a strong rhythmic element.
This is also a very melodic album as well, powerful and uplifting. There are eight songs this time, many of them shorter pieces, but no less interesting. I'm not quite as fond of Recreation as I am of Pro Sequentia, but only because that album seems a bit more polished. This is still a fine album and well recommended to fans of melodic electronic music.
2007. Scott Raymond / USA
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Recreation is a new release of material that Rene recorded in spring 2004. The cover photography and the season adequately reflect the happy tones within.
The first track has a wavering Vangelis-like synth lead. I often find Vangelis overly sweet for my taste, and the same is true here, although once it gets going the melody is pleasant enough.
Recreation 2 fares better, with a sound like a cross between a koto and a 12-string guitar, and warm pads laid over the top. The steady beat should get the toes tapping. The third track continues the spring theme with very light sounds. An even more infectious beat establishes itself later on. I could easily envision Jean-Michel Jarre coming up with something like this. Jarre also sometimes gets too cute, and might come up with something like the bouncy Recreation 4, which may appeal to perpetually happy people I suppose, and I wouldn’t totally rule out it growing on me.
Recreation 5 is one of the few darker turns, a moody atmospheric affair that I like quite a lot.
In stark contrast, Recreation 6 is pure synth pop with happy beats, playful bass lines, and warm synth pads. Moods continues to alternate, as track seven goes back to melancholy textures. A harpsichord appears in the middle to lighten the tone somewhat, then jumps right back up with pounding drums and soaring synth leads. Going back to more ambient touches at the end, this one really covers a lot of ground, but does so in an engaging fashion.
An oboe-like synth lead begins The Last Recreation, but it soon goes back to the optimistic sounds that permeate the majority of the disc.
Recreation is light, uplifting energetic music for sunny, happy days.
2007. Phil Derby / Electroambient Space
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This release from 2007 features 62 minutes of pastoral electronic music.
A full range of sounds are employed with this recording, all directed toward establishing a serene mood and then seasoning that serenity with a tinge of bouncy pep, resulting in quite enjoyable tuneage that serves to pleasantly invigorate while generating a cerebral calm.
Atmospheric tonalities waft with expansive purpose, blotting out discord and creating a panorama of gentle majesty. Subtle embellishments lend this aerial fog a trembling quality, bestowing the sky with a pulsating demeanor.
More demonstrative melodies emerge, to cavort and twist and roll across the sonic landscape, leaving livelier imprints in their wakes. Shrill tones are reconfigured into more pastoral resonance, then set loose to infect the songs with their congenial influence. Denser textures coalesce to provide dramatic punctuation. Most commonly used, though, are a series of light-hearted sounds of synthetic origin that serve to approximate an environmental exhilaration, welcoming the audience into a comfortable coexistence with nature.
A degree of percussion is utilized, dispensing rhythms which embody a crafty sense of locomotion without becoming too strident.
As the songs progress, a sense of euphoric elevation enters the melodies. Calm is still prevalent, but now a touch of enlightenment has appeared, bringing with it the promise of inspiration and spiritual deliverance.
The overall purpose of these compositions is to sedate in a shrewd manner that actually introduces a buoyancy to the listener’s meditative state. The result is entertaining and graciously hypnotic.
2008 Sonic Curiosity Matt Howarth