Russ Mate - leader of the Deep Purple tribute band Machine Head and keyboard player in various other rock bands - launches his first album under the name Just Offshore. There is not much here that resembles Deep Purple. Just Offshore is electronica/ambience for prog fans, a genuine and honest variety; Dark, hypnotic soundscapes with cosmic atmospheres which is remarkably attractive in all its monotony. Titles like "Ocean Storm" and "Endless Journey" indicate what you will hear: the inspiration, especially from Tangerine Dream, could hardly have been more profound.

This classic form of techno is what Russ Mate does best. He tries to be more versatile, but with limited success. Musically, "The Possibility Exists" returns to the baroque age, but it is too nimble to make an impression. Even less convincing is the techno version of "House Of The Rising Sun" (what IS the point?), which comes dangerously close to muzak. "Galactic Construction" tries to break the monotony by adding video game-like sounds, but the result is somewhat pointless. "From Here To There", on the other hand, is a successful attempt to mix classic techno sounds with melody lines from symphonic rock.

Just Offshore is the best progressive techno album I have heard this year (true, enough, I haven’t heard that many), and the record is best when keeping to a straight retro-line.

© 2006 Tarkus Magazine

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