Strange Vision by Javi Cánovas

'Strange Vision', review by Geoff Mason. 'Forty Years Ago' starts with big organ sounds, then rapid optimistic sequences and a lead line are weaving over the top, a repeating theme/tune is established. This is berlin-school heaven! At about 5 minutes in it briefly breaks down but things soon rebuild but heavy thudding drum sound is introduced, lead lines return, very hypnotic stuff, which ends similarly to the beginning. Great first track! 'Tzu Tan' starts with ambience then echoing sequencing and 'Jarre-like' effects and lead line gives me goosebumps. Drum sounds are added and melodic keyboard playing up and down the spectrum of notes, with effects and lead lines come and go this is mesmerising stuff indeed! This comes to an abrupt end as if someone just put the brakes on emergency stop. A great track but could have done with a gentler ending. 'Prelude' is a crazy sequencer frenzy with arppegios and supporting atmos sounds and subtle chord changes. Maybe a short prelude to something bigger. Sounds promising. 'Skyjacker' has ambient intro then keyboard playing reminds me of 'Rick Wakeman - Journey To The Centre Of The Earth'! A sequence comes forth and builds with effects being added, this is like you are going on a big adventure, 'skyjacking' maybe? The sequencing builds with a little added oomph, this is both dreamy and hypnotic at the same time! More lead lines reminded me of 'Free System Projekt' Is Javi jamming with Ruud Heij? At only 10 minutes I wish it had gone on twice as long. What a fantastic track! It's worth buying the album for this track alone!!! 'Missing Autumn' starts with that sombre feeling when all of the leaves have fallen from the trees. There is beautiful ambience and emotional piano played from the heart. Lovely music. Sublime flute is added, and eventually a sequence bounces gently along and flute comes and goes and lead lines, then a heavy drum sound , all fading out to the end. Another great track! 'Skywatcher' begins immediately with a high-register rapid sequence and metallic swirling sound, a 2nd sequence is added and bell sounds tinkling and echoing rather nicely, actually. It sounds like you are watching U.F.O's in the sky hurrying around and searching for something. The CD rear-art sets the scene perfectly for this track! I loved this! 'Last Journey' is slowly percussive with a nice melody playing a reflective and emotional tune, both sadness and hope is what I am feeling here. A lovely piece to end the album. This is now set for repeated listenings. Highly recommended. Well done Javi!

Javier Cánovas is a prolific electronic artist from Santa Cruz de Tenerife. J.Cánovas has worked on his take on Berlin school inspired style since around 2005, but is also since active in other similar ambiental projects like 23FISH with David Paredes and Audiometria with Miguel Justo.