Frank Klare - Berlin Parks
(2002/2003, SynGate CD-R 2019)

Composed, Played and Recorded 2002 by Frank Klare
Remastered 2003 by Lothar Lubitz
Cover designed by Lothar Lubitz w/ graphics (Berlin Gardens, 2003) by Georg Abts

The Berlin school theme has been a recurring one for Frank Klare, and has turned up of late in his titles. Taking this concept a step further, Berlin Parks is a not-so-veiled reference to Tangerine Dream’s classic 1985 CD Le Parc.  Rather than song titles named after world parks, Klare has kept within the confines of Berlin. And that is appropriate, given the music is strongly rooted in that style.

“Grosser Tiergarten” is a lengthy hypnotic sequencer piece. A single intricate musical phrase is repeated throughout, with the exception of key changes from time to time, and mild shifts in the variance of the notes toward the end. Punchy drum machines thump along in parts but not through all of it. The drums are a touch on the thin side, but otherwise this is great vintage stuff in the style of Schulze and TD.
“Victoriapark” starts with heavy beats and sequencing together. The drums sound better here, and there is a nice lead synth line that goes through a variety of classic sounds such as Mellotron strings.
“Treptower Park” is a touch moodier, in a good way. The sequencing here is a little TD like but actually reminds me, just a touch, of The Who’s classic song “Eminence Front.” The track is a bit more low key than the first two, and that works to its favor. 
“Schlosspark Charlottenburg” is beautiful, with flowing synth pads and really nice piano by Klare, a strong composition. The diversity from one track to the next is a real plus, and makes Berlin Parks more and more enjoyable as you delve deeper into it. 
By “Britzer Garten,” I am totally hooked by the great blend of synths, sequencing, and melodies. 
“Mauerpark” closes things out, the longest track. The drums are too heavy-handed and the sequences don’t change enough for this to work as the big epic finish that is apparently intended. 
Still, there is a lot to like about this disc. Some of Klare’s works from the eighties and nineties were a bit too cute for me, but I think his recent releases have been stronger, and I would certainly count this among his better ones to date.

© 2004 Phil Derby

(c) Frank Klare

Sonic Curiosity (USA)

This release from 2003 features 71 minutes of gentle electronic music.
Cyclic electronics generate a hypnotic pathway that leads to fanciful harmonics. Synthetic percussion provides suitable rhythms, launching the flowing melodies into higher orbit with their applied tempos. While the chords and beats tend to be simplistic, their smoothly looping repetition achieves an evolution that is gregarious and rewarding. The tuneage is uncluttered by density, exploring an airy expression that remains loyal to its fundamental contours.
Traditional piano is utilized at one point to implicate a majesty that touches the soul with a classical vigor.
Overall, though, the electronics are jovial, conveying a congenial mood that incites relaxation.
This music is quite friendly, fusing energetic structure with optimistic melodics. Pastoral in nature, these compositions rise above urban constraints, interpreting a meeting place for man and his environment. The songs are quite literally meant to be a sonic homage to the many parks found in Berlin.
Generally, these pieces are long-form compositions, granting the melodies full opportunity to mesmerize the audience with the atmospheric impact of their seemingly infinite scope. This is exemplified in the CD's last track, where the mood becomes considerably peppier but still retains a hypnotic flux for almost 20 minutes.

Matt Howarth, 2004