Contact "First Contact" (2014)

Two years before "Zero Moment" the Pittsburgh based duo release this, their debut record, a shorter listen at twenty seven minutes between the four tracks its made of. Much like its successor a clean and animated assembly of synthesizer instruments play Progressive Rock with a VGM characteristic about it. Like in the first record the opening self titled track jumps right into the prog style with a bold, warm and thick synth lead that guides the song with an active melody. After this one the prog takes a back seat to a much calmer and ambient tone as the jovial leads give way to looping background melodies and accompanying strings. On "Terminal Point" a light Rock guitar fuzz's in with a fading overdrive in the opening moments and returns later to play a subdued solo with synths dancing between its breaks. It finds a terrific climax in the end as the guitar and drums continue to grow in volume.

"Distant Voices" slows the tempo down and lightens the percussion as we gently drift through a void of minimalism, with a quiet melody looping in the distance and various instruments taking the lead in a very subdued manor. Its executed brilliantly, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere that feels a little mysterious given the brooding baseline which pops in spaciously with its melody. Some light vocals creep in too, used to sound like another atmospheric synth.

"Icefall" builds up slow, starting with atmosphere its set the tone for another ambient track of subtly and slow progression. At the midway point it picks up pace with fast bustling synths and opens up into an epic setting that feels like reaching a destination. Each song is interesting in its own way and the band seem to sway between its Progressive Synth sound and what I could most accurately describe as VGM music with a hint of ambience. Both aspects are brilliant, even though they are executed well together I get a sense that something greater could come of their music. Either way its an enjoyable half hour of time spent.

Favorite Track: First Contact

Rating: 6/10

Contact "Zero Moment" (2016)

Part of a string of albums Ive discovered recently, the duo "Contact" are part of the electronic music scene in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and on first listen you may not even be thinking "electronic music". Contact's sound and style is deeply rooted in Progressive Rock, specifically the likes of Sky and ELP. These bands made heavy use of organs and synths at the time and now in 2016 that's been revisited with modern electronic sounds while stripping back the Rock element. Essentially its progressive synth, the same sort of melodies and spirit but with the guitars as an occasional low hum in the mix which in this day and age brings a refreshing clarity to the styles of old.

After many listens I feel almost the same as my initial impression. This is so in tune with the prog sound that nothing was surprising, challenging or out of the ordinary. It felt more so like deja vu, as if you could hear the next note of every lead before it arrived. With pulsating buzz saws and soft marching baselines the atmosphere is set with steady rocking drum beats to let a lead or two dance in the spotlight, creating the theme and direction for the track. At times its almost cheesy, sounding like the theme song to an 80s cop drama but always too classy, its just a familiarity. Most of the songs build up slowly, generally introducing the instruments and letting the mood simmer before it finds its way to the main melody.

The opening two tracks are the best and as both reach their climax in the closing stages. I always felt as if the stage had been set for an epic to unravel but in a few bars the instruments drop out. I'm Probably to used to epic ten minutes plus songs. The rest of the song don't quite get back on the same level, exploring darker moods or more ambient tones, a couple of tracks feeling like they brush shoulders with VGM soundtracks. Its a great sounding record, an old musical style polished and revamped with modern instruments. I have to say thought the promise of the opening two tracks leaves the rest of the album feeling slightly disappointing in its shadow. It stirs up the atmosphere and emotion then drifts into a calmer setting. Either way its a very enjoyable instrumental record.

 Favorite Tracks: Zero Moment, Grand Detector, Sensorium

Rating: 7/10