The Silicon Scientist - Windows On The World

German, Stefan Bornhorst, is The Silicon Scientist. But that's not all, not by a long shot. Stefan has previously recorded as Dreams Encoded he was a member of The Convent and Sonnenbrandt, with which a couple albums were released to some success.

The Silicon Scientist is his solo work and 'Windows On The World' is a remastering of the original 2006 edition plus a remix version of "Home" and the final track, "Good-bye to Frog-eyes" that came as part of a limited vinyl release around 2007.

After the original 'Windows On The World' in 2006, 2010 bought us 'Poly' and the 'Inselwinter' re-release in 2012. All of The Silicon Scientists work is through Anna Logue Records. And knowing that label, will give you some large hints as to where this album sits in the electronic range of genres.

If you are of an age where you remember, or indeed, are aware of the past in electronic music, then this album will send you back in time to the period of 1978 to say, 1984. And why I say that is this. In each of the songs I hear a familiar sound. By that I mean an individual sound. A sound that reminds you of OMD, Jean Michel Jarre, Kraftwerk's Kometenmelodie 2, Cabaret Voltaire, Telex among others too numerous to mention. Robotic autotune like vocals, simple melodies, simple bass, clean sharp kicks, clicks, snares and little metallic "tinks" and all those analogue strings and sweeps. It's those moments that add to the joy of this album.

So after that, let's get to the stats. 14 tracks just short of 80 minutes. Enough of that.

Every song is different in its own right yet they flow well throughout the length of the album. From synthpop grooves through to atmospheric soundscapes that reflect the titles they are given, this is an album that should be never far away from whatever device you play your music on. It should be always included in the 20 albums you have with at all times.

Because it is smooth and it chills you out (as the kids say apparently) and while not a club orientated set of songs, its not lounge music either. It might not make you dance but it will make you do those imperceptible "no one knows I'm grooving on the inside" type of moves. Most of the 4 times I listened to the album, I was doing 110 KPH down the freeway heading home from work. It made me happy.

If you love your oldschool analogue sythnpop/electro or feel the need to reminisce over those old days without getting out the vinyl, then this will sit very well and very high in the collection. Aug 09 2013