Cyber Octave's
Brainscapes project is the experimental worldbeat and fusion sister act to Higher Octave's much more mainstream and melodic trio
3rd Force. Synthesist
Alain Eskinasi,
Brainscapes' brilliant and diverse mastermind, is a member of
3rd Force, as is
William Aura, who mastered this project. While
3rd Force creates seductive grooves and hangs catchy melodic hooks in various layers upon them,
Brainscapes works more as hypnotic, intensely percussive music that features occasionally lush melodic sections, but is more about ambience and vibe. The opening track "Sweet Thing" features a soaring native flute over a swirl of synth footprints, mystical spacy sounds, and an exotic feminine wail. "Sumanaa" mixes retro funk elements, weird calls and chants, a sexy voice repeating the title, and a throbbing bass underpinning that might make your heart palpitate. That's pretty much the scenario throughout: heavy vibes, exotic surprises, vocal oddities, and more about the crazed sonic journey than the destination. "Goa Trance" lives up to its name with playful synth effects and a dance groove that a soulful zombie might enjoy. Great for modern club music or parties where people want to be challenged by musical wallpaper that expands the mind into uncharted realms. ~ Jonathan Widran