VARIOUS ARTISTLOOKING EAST: ELECTRONIC EASTSYNTHESIZER MUSIC FROM ESTONIA & RUSSIA(Erdenklang 29612) CD 76mIt was likely that this would be an extraordinary release, as much of the Soviet synth music I'd heard was amongst the most original around, and this CD collects new music by six musicians I already knew, plus presenting three new talents.The disc opens with Sven Grunberg and two richly toned spacious and ethnic evocative works, full of that unique spirit that makes his music so fascinating. Quite a step on from his two classic LP's HINGUS and OM, he proves to be ever the adventurous pioneer. (An Erdenklang release is due soon.)Lepo Sumera's contribution hardly sounds electronic and I presume it's all created using sound sampling, the classical atmosphere reminds in parts of Geesin & Waters' MUSIC FROM THE BODY, which is to say the least - surprising!Erkki Sven Tüür also breaks musical boundaries in combining his own electronic music with that of the medieval instrumental ensemble: Hortus Musicus. The results are kind of like Between meets Gryphon - most fascinating.Peeter Vähi must be one of the most fascinating musicians around, witness his contribution to Erdenklang's MAGIC AGE II, the A-side of his debut LP MUSIC FOR SYNTHESIZERS (on Melodia) and his new Erdenklang album (reviewed below), although little of what he's recorded is really synth music at all! Take his work here, a medley of nine mantra's featuring the Estonian Buddhist Society!Eduard Artemiev has been making electronic music since the 60's, and what he produces now is a million miles away from his weird Tarkovsky soundtracks, although amazingly enough his two contributions here are very soundtracky, one a punchy Tangerine Dream styled work and the other could almost be a lost John Carpenter track. A superb blend of eerie atmosphere and strong melody.Ever the adventurer, Mikhail Chekalin offers three contrasting aspects of his music, none of it as weird as his CONCERTO GROSSO, but certainly a good introduction to an eclectic talent.For me, Anton Batagor is the least interesting musician here, and it is obvious that he is more attuned to classical and contemporary performance music than electronics. However, his two pieces are nice minimalist works, yet they do lack much depth and invention.It's strange, but Igor Chernjavsky gets no mention within the booklet, yet has released at least one very good synth album and is certainly a talent to keep an eye on. His music is very much in the realms of the Teutonic and should have very wide appeal.The disc finishes with long-time Artemiev collaborator Vladimir Martynov, and a spacey synth-sequencer based work that reminds of Steve Roach's early work but without the percussive edge.from my Erdenklang feature in Audion magazine #23 (Nov.1992)